Alleviating Braces Pain: Soft Foods and Home Remedies

soft pasta is good for braces

Food to Eat

If Your Teeth are Sore

If you’re experiencing discomfort from your braces, certain foods can help. Initially, stick to soft foods. This will ease the adjustment period for your teeth.

As the discomfort lessens, you can start adding more variety to your diet. However, always steer clear of hard or crunchy foods. These could damage your braces. Remember, “Soft foods for braces pain relief” and avoiding “sticky foods” are key points to note.

Soft foods that can help soothe pain in your teeth:

  • Cool soothing drinks or food like popsicles, ice cream, or drinkable yogurt
  • Smoothies (add leafy vegetables for extra nutrition)
  • Soft boiled vegetables
  • Eggs
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Soft pasts like mac and cheese
Discover some culinary advice on how to make tasty

Read this guide for the full scoop on what to eat with braces.
what are ceramic braces

How Long

Do Braces Hurt?

Most patients experience a fading of pain or discomfort within a few days after they wear braces or have them tightened during orthodontist visits. This is a part of the braces treatment.

The pressure required to move the teeth can cause a variety of discomfort, soreness, or pains. This is normal as your teeth need to shift to their correct positions.

Many patients report that the soreness or pain disappears entirely between 1 and 5 days after the application or tightening of braces. Various home remedies for braces discomfort can effectively treat pain.

Remember to include pain relievers in your home remedies as they can provide significant relief from the discomfort caused by braces.

smiling woman with braces applies orthodontic wax

ANTICIPATED STRUCTURE

Regarding Discomfort from Braces

  • First Day (attachment): No pain, but slight unease may be experienced during attachment
  • Days 1-5: Soreness, pain, or discomfort common. Treat at-home with methods described above
  • After Day 5: Pain should fade as your teeth adjust to your braces
  • Orthodontic visits for tightening: expect some soreness or pain 1-3 days after treatment
  • Braces removal: No pain
  • Retainers: Potential soreness when a permanent retainer is placed or as teeth adjust to removable retainers

When you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort. This is especially true after having your braces adjusted. However, if the pain or soreness you’re feeling doesn’t subside, or if it gets worse, it might be a sign that you need to have your braces adjusted again.

In some cases, a part of the appliance might be loose or improperly affixed. This can cause discomfort and may require attention from your orthodontist. Contacting your orthodontist to discuss your case is important. They can provide advice on managing pain during braces adjustment and determine if you should come in for a visit.

Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during your orthodontic treatment. Ensure you regularly brush your teeth and inspect your braces for any unsecured components. If you’re using rubber bands as part of your treatment, ensure they are properly placed to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Your orthodontist can provide further guidance on this.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother and more comfortable orthodontic treatment experience. Remember, your orthodontist is there to help you through every step of the process.

diamondbraces patient sores ulcers wax

8 Methods for

Treating Braces Pain at Home

Here are some tips to ease braces soreness at home:

  1. Over-the-counter pain medication: Pain medication like ibuprofen can be taken to alleviate pain. Be sure to follow the medication instructions and know if you have any allergies to certain medications.
  2. Orthodontic wax: This is medical-grade clear wax provided to you by your orthodontist, which can be placed over any brackets or wires that are bothering your mouth.
  3. Oral analgesic: Use a topical numbing analgesic like Orajel or Anbesol on your teeth and/or gums to desensitize your mouth to the pain. You can use a finger or cotton swab to apply the gel.
  4. Suck on something cool: Ice treats, such as popsicles or ice cream, can help reduce inflammation. They also soothe pain. An ice pack applied to your jaw can provide additional relief.
    Remember, “ice water” can also be a helpful remedy. Simple, effective, and easy to use. Try these methods next time you need relief. They're not hard to implement and can make a significant impact.
  5. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water: This reduces inflammation and serves as an antiseptic, cleaning any cuts or sore spots in your mouth.
  6. Eat soft foods: As your mouth adjusts to the braces, soft foods will help alleviate pain. Soups, mac and cheese, and smoothies are all foods that won’t cause pain when chewing.

    Learn more about what to eat with braces

  1. Chew to stimulate blood flow: Studies show that the pain associated with braces can be caused by reduced blood flow, so chewing can stimulate blood flow and alleviate pain. Try chewing something not too crunchy, like soft bread or a banana, which won’t hurt your teeth but still get the blood flowing in your mouth and jaw.
  2. Continue to brush and floss: Keeping your teeth clean and fresh and your braces free of food will prevent any plaque build-up or gum inflammation, which can cause pain and damage to your teeth.

If your braces cause pain that doesn’t go away, they might need adjustment. Loose parts could also be a problem. In such cases, reach out to your orthodontist.

Different types of braces exist. These include Invisalign, ceramic braces, and lingual braces.

Each type contributes to a beautiful smile. But remember, ongoing pain is not normal. Don’t ignore it. Contact your orthodontist for a check-up.

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