3 Tips To Help Reduce Pain From Your Braces When You First Get Them On
When you first get braces on your teeth, it is no secret that it is going to hurt a bit while your mouth is adjusting to them. Your gums are going to need to get used to having the brackets and other metal parts rubbing against them, and this will take time. However, you aren't on your own with the pain because there are certain things that you can do to help adjust. This article will discuss 3 tips to help reduce pain from your braces when you first get them on.
Use Wax Generously
Your orthodontist will likely give you some wax strips when you first get your braces on and will instruct you on how to place these wax strips on top of your brackets and wires to help stop them from rubbing against your gums and making them incredibly sore. Don't be afraid to ask for a great deal of this wax and apply it generously to your mouth whenever you need it. The key is to place it in the areas that hurt the most, so that the rest of your mouth can get used to the braces. Over time, as your gums become stronger and more resistant, you will notice that you can use less and less of the wax until you don't need it at all.
Choose Soft Foods
When you first get your braces on, your teeth and mouth in general are going to be quite sore for a few days. You will find that biting into hard things can actually cause you some pain and discomfort, and this is likely something that you want to avoid if at all possible. So instead of reaching for foods that are hard, instead look for foods that are soft and easier for you to chew, or that don't have to be chewed at all. This will allow you to get all of the nutrients that your body needs, while allowing your teeth to get used to your new braces.
Take Anti-Inflammatory Medicine If Necessary
If you find that the pain in your mouth is just too much for you to bear at first, then feel free to take some age appropriate anti-inflammatory medicine as directed. This will help to reduce some of the pain that you are feeling temporarily, so that you can adjust to your braces. While this pain is most definitely not going to last forever, having some medication to help during the adjustment process can make all the difference in the world.
Contact an office like Clark Family Dentistry to learn more.
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