Top Ways To Manage Pain During Orthodontic Treatment
Have you got an orthodontic treatment done recently? Do you feel a sense of discomfort or pain after getting the orthodontic treatment? If yes, you’re not alone. After getting treatment for adjusting their misaligned teeth with dental braces, many individuals have the same feeling – a sense of discomfort. They have experienced inflammation or mild bleeding, or tooth sensitivity.
The exciting news is that several simple ways to manage pain or discomfort in such situations exist. This article lists some of the top ways to manage discomfort after orthodontic treatment and post-adjustment follow-up visits.
Tips to Reduce Pain After the Treatment
Cool It Down
Reduce The Pain By Using Ice Packs
Just like how applying a pack of ice can reduce the pain from an external injury, using an ice pack can also reduce the pain caused by braces. Ice packs help in combating discomfort to a great extent. All you need to do is hold an ice pack gently against the area or gently rub it outside the mouth. This will bring down inflammation and numb your mouth enough to give you some relief from the discomfort.
Reduce The Pain By Drinking Cold Water
Drinking a cup of cold water also does the trick. After your visit, take a cup of chilled water and drink the water sip-by-sip. While doing that, remember to gush the water through the sore areas to get the desired relief.
Reduce The Discomfort By Having Cold Food
Just like applying ice packs can reduce the pain, having cold foods like ice creams and popsicles can also ease the pain. They can numb the mouth enough to reduce inflammation. You can also suck an ice cube but don’t chew or crunch on the ice cubes.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Maintain Dental Hygiene
Maintaining good dental hygiene is very important after the misaligned teeth procedure (orthodontic treatment). As your teeth are going through some significant changes, this also indicates a difference in your oral hygiene routine. It is essential to maintain your oral care.
Not doing so can lead to tooth decay and inflammation which can cause severe discomfort. So, clean the braces and keep your teeth clean after each meal. See that you brush or floss after eating to eliminate the food particles. Be sure to carry a dental travel kit when you are out and about. If you are finding oral hygiene difficult with your new orthodontic appliance, be sure to discuss this with your orthodontist, they will offer suggestions to make this process much more manageable.
Try Warm Salt Water Rinse
Salt water rinse can also do the trick, just like sipping cold water. Gargling with warm salt water is generally recommended for sore throats as it helps soothe inflammation and combats bacteria. Similarly, it can also help relieve the pain after orthodontic treatment. If you feel discomfort after wearing your braces, gargle with warm salt water that helps in healing sores or cuts caused by the braces.
Try these orthodontic recommendations!
Try Soft Foods
The teeth are quite sensitive after the orthodontic treatment, so avoid munching on solid foods. The pressure to bite down for the next 24 hours should be avoided to minimize discomfort. Instead, try having soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt that are easy to consume. After your orthodontic treatment is completed, your orthodontist will provide you with a care sheet to take home. The information provided will share aftercare and maintenance tips.
Orthodontic Wax
Braces’ metal wires and brackets can cause irritation on the gums and the inner cheeks. To reduce the irritation, the orthodontic doctor provides an orthodontic wax. Apply the wax to the brackets and areas where you feel discomfort to alleviate the pain.
Over-The-Counter Pain Medication
If the above methods don’t work, try over-the-counter pain relief medication. Your orthodontist will most likely recommend and suggest this. Remember to consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications.
Orthodontic treatment like braces is one of the best ways to correct misaligned teeth. However, you may experience short-term, mild discomfort or pain after the treatment. You can easily manage discomfort or pain with simple methods like ice packs, warm salt water gargling, and over-the-counter pain medication. Want to learn more? Contact Woodlawn Orthodontics today for more information!