Once you start your braces treatment, you’re on the right track. However, the initial discomfort can feel a bit discouraging. While it’s a normal part of your teeth adjusting to the pressure, it’s not something you want to feel. So if you’re experiencing braces pain in the first week, you don’t have to accept it. These tips for new braces wearers can help you manage it like a pro — like a boss, if you will.
Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
While you should always consult with your physician first, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen work to reduce inflammation by blocking COX-1 and COX-2, which produce prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen doesn’t reduce inflammation, but it does stop pain signaling. Make sure that no matter which one you use, you only take it as recommended.
Try a Cold Compress
If you’re wondering how to relieve braces discomfort without a pain reliever, a cold compress can ease discomfort. Place it on the outside of your mouth at the site where you’re having pain and move it as necessary to combat your pain. Generally, you only want to use the compress for 10 to 15 minutes at a time in one place before removing it.
The cold works in multiple ways. For one, it slows nerve signaling, which decreases how much pain you feel. It also works by constricting your blood vessels to alleviate inflammation that causes soreness.
Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Create a concoction of warm water and salt — usually about a tablespoon of salt per one cup of water is enough. Swish the solution around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, two or three times per day. The salt, plus the temperature of the water, increases blood flow to your gums to provide them with the oxygen and nutrients they need to repair your sore tissue. The salt water will also pull excess fluid out of your gums to ease swelling and soothe the sore tissue.
Choose What Foods You Eat Wisely
Although certain foods like gum and hard nuts are no-nos throughout your treatment, some braces pain in the first week can be minimized by eating soft foods, such as yogurt, rice, pasta, scrambled eggs, or applesauce.
When eating with braces in the first week, choose soft meats like chicken and ground meat as opposed to steak or pork. Opt for steamed veggies over raw ones. Canned fruit is a better choice than raw fruit.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth Carefully
You still need to brush your teeth thoroughly with braces to prevent gum disease and cavities after you finish your orthodontic treatment. However, after you first get your braces — and as a tip for braces adjustment pain relief — brush your teeth gently, still getting in all the nooks and crannies and brushing in a circular motion. Though you should always use a soft-bristled toothbrush, with braces, it’s more important than before.
When you’re flossing, get in between your braces. However, if it’s causing pain, ease up until you no longer have gum irritation. Once the immediate swelling goes down, you should be able to floss without much problem, besides going around the brackets and wires.
Keeping food debris away from your gums is a win-win. You not only keep your gums and teeth healthy during your treatment, but you’ll also remove particles that can irritate the soft tissue.
Try Cold Foods and Beverages
Especially during periods when you have more discomfort than others, choose cold foods. Ice pops, gelatin, frozen yogurt, and ice cream can help as well, but you’ll want to make sure to bring water afterward to remove the sugar. If you can stomach it, try eating your cooked vegetables after they chill in the fridge for a short time. Cold beverages like refrigerated or ice water and juice can help.
Hopefully, these tips are enough to keep your braces pain in the first week at bay. They’re also useful for braces adjustment pain relief. And if you’re continuing to have pain past the first week, or if it’s severe or worsening, reach out to Bernstein Orthodontics. Dr. Bernstein or one of his associates may need to make an adjustment to your braces.
If you don’t have braces yet or are looking for a new orthodontist to complete the rest of your treatment, contact Bernstein Orthodontics today by calling 707-836-8360.
FAQs
These FAQs can help you better understand braces pain in the first week, how much discomfort you may feel, and what to do.
Do braces hurt after 1 week?
Typically, you have little to no pain after your first week of getting braces. Some people may have tenderness or soreness after adjustments, but it’s usually milder and passes more quickly than when you first get braces.
How long will my teeth hurt when I first get braces?
Usually, the pain subsides after three to seven days.
Does sore teeth mean braces are working?
Yes, it does. The soreness comes from the pressure the braces are applying to your teeth. That said, some people may not have any discomfort. The amount patients experience varies.
Do tighter braces work faster?
Tighter braces seem like they’d naturally work faster, but that isn’t the case. Not only will it make the treatment more uncomfortable for you, but you risk sustaining damage to your tooth roots and jawbones. This can actually slow your treatment.
Why do rubber bands on braces hurt so much?
You may notice rubber bands add to the soreness you experience with braces. There’s a good reason for that. Think of using resistance bands when you exercise — they add stress to your body, but in a good way. They’re increasing the amount of force placed on the teeth.