We’ve all been in that awkward middle school stage where you’re transitioning from an elementary school kid to a “too cool for school” high school kid.
It’s this weird stage in life where everyone is trying to decide who they want to be. On top of all of that, many middle schoolers will get braces.
While braces may have once been uncool, it seems now everyone is getting them. Over 4 million people in the U.S. wear braces, and it’s not just for middle schoolers. About 25% of these individuals are adults.
Why are so many people getting braces?
Braces are one of the best ways to take care of your smile!
Braces:
- Correct teeth function (biting and chewing correctly)
- Boost oral health
- Prevent tooth decay
- Fight against gum disease by realigning teeth
- Give you confidence in your smile
These are just a few of the many benefits of getting braces.
While braces are amazing for your teeth and your smile, the downside is that they are not always comfortable.
So, why do braces hurt?
Because the goal is to shift your teeth, the reality is that braces can hurt. Braces put stress on your teeth to shift them over time. This pressure can cause mild discomfort and pain. The wires in your mouth may also irritate the inside of your cheeks.
The good news is that your mouth will adapt to this discomfort. Your mouth should only hurt between four days to a week.
When you first get your braces, the pain will most likely last a week. However, when you get your braces tightened, the discomfort won’t last as long.
While your teeth may hurt, there are simple at-home remedies you can use to ease the pain!
Be gentle with your teeth.
Your mouth is going to be sore for at least a couple of days.
Sore teeth make it difficult to eat foods that you normally would. Instead of just toughing it out and eating hard food, stick to soft foods. It’ll give your teeth time to adjust to the new pressure and save you a lot of pain in the process.
You can eat soft foods and still get the nutrients you need while your teeth adapt to the new pressure of braces.
You should stick to soft foods like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Fruit cups
- Bananas
- Peanut butter
- Tofu
- Pasta
- Smoothies
There are a variety of nutrition-packed foods that will help you.
Use ice packs.
Icing reduces inflammation and numbs the pain.
You can put some ice in your mouth to relieve any painful areas. You can also hold an ice pack to the outside of your mouth. Braces can make your jaw sore, so icing your jaw will also be relieving.
Another great way to ice your mouth is with ice cream. It’s cold, a soft food, and who doesn’t love ice cream?
Drinking cold ice water can also help reduce the pain and numb your mouth.
No matter what method you go with, icing your mouth will help reduce pain.
Use over-the-counter medicine.
Pain relief medicine like Advil or Ibuprofen is a great way to relieve pain.
Be sure to only take the recommended dosage. This will help relieve your pain along with eating soft foods and icing your mouth.
Use orthodontic wax.
When you get braces, not only will your teeth hurt, but the wires might also irritate the inside of your cheeks.
Just like the soreness, your mouth will adapt to the wires in your mouth. One thing that will help is orthodontic wax. After getting braces, your orthodontist will probably give you some wax along with other dental items to help you take care of your teeth.
Orthodontic wax provides a soft barrier between the wires and your cheeks. This helps prevent rubbing or cuts in your mouth.
With orthodontic wax, be sure to remove it when brushing your teeth or eating. Try not to swallow the wax if you can help it. However, if you do, there’s no need to panic. The wax is non-toxic.
Don’t forget to take care of your teeth.
While your teeth are sore, it may be tempting to skip brushing your teeth for a few days. However, you should still practice oral hygiene.
Brush your teeth as gently as possible until your pain subsides.
It’s important to not skip your daily routine of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day.
How Cobblestone Park Family Dental Can Help You!
Here at Cobblestone Park Family Dental, we’re dedicated to you and your oral health. We care about you and your smile.
If you’re interested in traditional orthodontics or Invisalign, our team is here to help and make sure your smile is happy and healthy along the way.
To learn more about the teeth straightening options we offer, including Invisalign, please schedule an appointment with Cobblestone Park Family Dental. Contact us by calling (405) 603-8520 today.