7 Ways To Reduce Braces Pain
Wearing braces is one of the most effective methods for treating crooked teeth. These dental devices work by realigning and straightening crowded teeth back to their rightful positions.
However, as much as braces can help bring back your once beautiful smile, wearing them can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
You have to visit your local orthodontist regularly to adjust and tighten the braces accordingly to ensure that your teeth are repositioning to their rightful place. All these procedures can cause great discomfort and irritation for several days to weeks before you get used to them.
Here are a few tips on how to reduce braces pain and get used to your new orthodontic devices.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
You should expect to feel a bit of pain and discomfort after visiting your orthodontist. However, you can quickly arrest the situation by taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
The good thing about over-the-counter medications is that they are easily accessible and they do not require a prescription. However, you have to follow the right dosage as per instruction.
In some cases, you may need to take these pain relievers several times during the day since most of them only provide temporary relief.
Rub an Oral Anesthetic
One of the easiest ways to reduce braces pain is to apply an oral anesthetic like Anbesol or Orajel. Oral anesthetics have a numbing effect and they help desensitize the teeth thus ensuring you will not feel any pain or discomfort.
You can rub the anesthetic directly to problem areas using a cotton swab or your fingers. If you decide to use your fingers, make sure you clean them thoroughly with soap before application to prevent spreading bacteria to your teeth and gums.