How to Stop Braces Pain Immediately

What Causes Braces Pain?

Braces pain is primarily caused by the pressure and tension applied to the teeth and gums as the braces work to align and straighten the teeth.

Here are some specific factors that contribute to this discomfort:

• Adjustment of Braces: When dental braces are initially placed and during routine adjustments, the orthodontist tightens the wires and bands, which increases the pressure on the teeth to move them into the correct position. This adjustment period can cause soreness in the teeth and jaw.
• Friction Against Soft Tissues: The brackets and wires of braces can rub against the inside of the mouth, including the lips and cheeks, leading to irritation, sores, or ulcers.
• Movement of Teeth: As the teeth gradually shift into their new positions, the change can cause a dull pain and discomfort, which is most notable after adjustments.
• Pressure on Gums: The constant pressure exerted by the braces can also affect the gums, making them tender and sensitive.
• Elastic Bands: If your treatment involves elastic bands that exert additional force to correct the alignment, they can also contribute to the discomfort.
  

Braces Components That Can Cause Pain

Braces are composed of several components that work together to move teeth into the correct alignment and improve dental health. Here’s a breakdown of the main parts:

• Brackets: These are small squares bonded directly to the front of each tooth or attached to orthodontic bands. Brackets hold the arch wires that move the teeth. They can be made from stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic.
• Orthodontic Bands: These are metal rings placed around the molars to provide support for brackets, particularly when more significant force is needed. Not all patients will have bands, as they are not required for all types of braces.
• Arch Wires: These are the thin metal wires that are threaded through brackets. They apply pressure to the teeth, guiding them into place. Arch wires can be made from stainless steel, nickel-titanium, or copper-titanium, and they may change as treatment progresses to deliver different strengths of pressure.
• Ligatures: Tiny elastic bands or fine wires, known as ligatures, hold the arch wires to the brackets. Elastic ligatures come in a variety of colors, allowing for some personalization in the appearance of braces.
• Spacers: These are separators that fit between the teeth to create a small space prior to the placement of orthodontic bands.
• Ties: Metal ties are small wires that are twisted around the bracket to hold the arch wire in place. They are generally used instead of elastic ligatures in certain types of braces.
• Hooks and Pins: Hooks are often attached to brackets and used to attach elastic bands. Pins may be used for attaching springs or other accessories.
• Elastic Bands (Rubber Bands): These are used to apply additional pressure to correct the alignment between the upper and lower teeth. These bands are hooked between specific teeth to guide the bite and jaw position.
• Palatal Expander: For some patients with a narrow upper jaw, a palatal expander is used to widen the arch of the upper jaw by placing gentle pressure on the upper molars each time an adjustment is made.
  

Tips for Braces Pain Relief

Use Over the Counter Oral Pain Relievers

Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. These should be used according to the package directions or a doctor’s advice. They work by blocking pain signals to the brain and reducing inflammation around your teeth and gums, helping ease the discomfort after braces adjustments.

Use Oral Anesthetics

Gels or liquids containing benzocaine or lidocaine can be applied directly to the gums and sore areas in the mouth. These anesthetics temporarily numb the mouth tissues, providing immediate relief from pain caused by braces rubbing against the inside of the mouth or newly tightened wires pressing against teeth.

Apply Ice Packs and Eat Cold Foods

Cold helps numb the sore areas and reduce inflammation. Applying ice packs to the cheeks or eating cold foods like ice cream can provide significant pain relief. The cold temperature helps soothe the nerves around your braces, decreasing the pain sensation.

Choose Soft Foods

Eating soft foods that require minimal chewing can prevent further irritation of sore gums and teeth. Foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are easy on your teeth and can be soothing because they don’t require the same pressure and movement that harder foods do.

Read more: What To Eat With Braces The First Week

Apply Orthodontic Wax

Applying special non-toxic, clear wax over the brackets can prevent them from rubbing against the inside of your mouth. This wax forms a smooth barrier that protects your gums and the linings of your cheeks and lips, preventing irritation and sores.

Warm Salt Water Rinses

Swishing with warm salt water a few times a day helps heal mouth sores and soothes sore gums. The salt has natural antiseptic properties, which can help reduce inflammation and ward off infection in any small cuts or nicks inside your mouth from the braces.

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, especially with braces. Brush gently around each bracket using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use tools like floss threaders and interdental brushes to remove food particles and plaque from under wires and between teeth, which can also reduce pain from irritation.

Massage Your Gums

Massaging the gums can help to reduce pain through improved blood flow to the gums. Using a clean finger, gently rub the gums in a circular motion. This can be soothing and help reduce the swelling and discomfort associated with adjustment periods.

Chew on Orthodontic Relief Wax

Specially designed for orthodontic use, chewing on silicone or wax helps in adapting your mouth to the feel of braces faster. This can also stimulate blood flow in your gums, which helps reduce pain.

Avoid Hard, Sticky, or Chewy Foods

Avoiding these foods is crucial, as they can pull on or even break the components of your braces, leading to pain and potential emergency visits to the orthodontist. Foods like caramel, nuts, and hard candies should be avoided because they can exert undue stress on the braces.

Things to Avoid When Experiencing Braces Pain 

When experiencing braces pain, it’s important to actively avoid certain activities and foods that can worsen discomfort or potentially damage your braces. Here’s what you should do:

• Avoid Chewing Hard Foods: Stay away from nuts, hard candies, and ice. These can increase pain by putting extra pressure on your teeth and gums and can also risk damaging the brackets or bending the wires of your braces.
• Skip Sticky or Chewy Foods: Foods like caramel, taffy, and gum can stick to braces and pull on them when you chew, which can cause pain and even dislodge brackets.
• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keeping up with brushing and flossing is essential, as neglecting oral hygiene can lead to food particles and plaque buildup around brackets. This exacerbates gum irritation and can lead to infections that increase pain.
• Avoid Using Toothpicks or Sharp Objects: Do not use toothpicks or any sharp objects to remove food stuck in braces. These can poke and irritate your gums or damage the braces. Instead, use a soft interdental brush or orthodontic flossers.
• Avoid Very Hot or Cold Foods: If braces adjustments have made your teeth sensitive, consuming very hot or cold foods can trigger sensitivity and pain. Choose foods at moderate temperatures to minimize discomfort.
• Wear a Mouthguard for Contact Sports: Always protect yourself by wearing a mouthguard designed for braces when playing contact sports. This prevents injuries that can cause additional pain and potentially damage your braces.
• Stop Chewing on Non-Food Items: Break the habit of chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails. These habits can stress your braces unnecessarily, increase pain, and lead to broken brackets or bent wires.
• Keep Orthodontic Appointments: Never skip scheduled adjustments. Attending all your appointments allows your orthodontist to make necessary adjustments to minimize pain and ensure your treatment progresses as planned.
• Address Persistent Pain Promptly: If you suffer from ongoing or severe pain, do not ignore it. This could indicate issues such as loose brackets or protruding wires that require immediate attention from your orthodontist.
  

When Braces Pain Indicates a Potential Issue

When braces pain indicates a potential issue, you need to take immediate action.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Check for Loose Brackets or Bands: Inspect your braces for any loose brackets or bands. These components can cause discomfort and need prompt adjustment by your orthodontist.
2. Identify Protruding Wires: Feel for any wires sticking out that may poke or irritate your mouth. Clip the protruding wire with sterilized clippers, if necessary, and cover the end with orthodontic wax until you can visit your orthodontist.
3. Monitor Unusual Swelling or Bleeding: Watch for signs of unusual swelling or bleeding in your gums, as these could indicate gum infections or injuries caused by the braces treatment. Consult your orthodontist if these symptoms persist.
4. Assess the Level and Duration of Pain: Evaluate if the pain from your braces is severe or lasts longer than a few days after an adjustment. Persistent or intense pain is not typical and should be checked by an orthodontist. Take over-the-counter pain medication and call your dentist.
5. Seek Professional Advice for Infections: If you suspect an infection due to persistent pain, redness, or swelling around the braces, contact your orthodontist immediately for evaluation and treatment.
   

FAQ on How to Stop Braces Pain Immediately