Alternatively, you can freeze a baby teething ring and chew or rest it in your mouth. This will also provide some relief. Do not chew the ice or ice cubes; hard foods can damage brackets and weaken their hold on your teeth. You could also try drinking icy cold water.
Do not chew on other hard objects, such as pens, pencils or ice cubes. Some foods can be modified to be braces-friendly. For instance, you can cut apples into slices or cut corn off of the cob before eating. [6] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022.
Follow the instructions on the label to ensure proper dosage. You can also take ibuprofen (Advil) instead of Tylenol, although some dentists and orthodontists discourage ibuprofen because it can slow down the process of your teeth moving. At the very least, do not take both kinds of medication – choose one!
Follow the instructions on the package for proper application. Some people experience allergies when using these products, so you should be sure to consult the instructions before proceeding.
Repeat several times a day, particularly in the first few days and whenever you are feeling more pain than normal. [12] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022.
There are hydrogen peroxide-based products available at grocery and drug stores that are geared toward treating mouth sores and offering relief, such as Colgate Peroxyl Mouthwash. The taste of hydrogen peroxide might be off-putting to some people, as is the foam that will inevitably generate from swishing it in your mouth.
To apply the wax, break off a small piece of wax and roll it into a little ball about the size of a pea to warm it up and make it easier to apply. [15] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022. Use a piece of tissue or cotton to dry the area of your braces where you would like to apply the wax, and press it directly onto the wire or bracket. [16] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022. Repeat as often as necessary.
These rubber bands can often cause discomfort, especially in the first few days after you get your braces. But they can cause more discomfort if you are not used to wearing them. If you only wear them a couple of hours per day or a few times a week, you will experience more discomfort than if you wear them all the time.
Follow the directions on the toothpaste tube for proper usage.
Carry a travel toothbrush, a mini tube of toothpaste and a small packet of floss with you when you are away from home so that you are always prepared to brush after eating. Make sure to brush all the teeth surface using a 45-degree angle with your brush to avoid plaque build-up near your gums. [21] X Expert Source Cara PiskaiOrthodontist Expert Interview. 20 December 2022.
Your orthodontist might also recommend other treatments, such as a bite wafer. This is a product that you bite on for a few minutes several times every hour. The motion of biting helps generate blood circulation in your gums, which can ease pain. [26] X Research source
