While braces are a great way to perfect your smile, they can also be a little painful when they get adjusted. If you are new to braces, you may be wondering how to deal with the soreness. It is normal to experience some discomfort after getting your braces on or adjusted, but there are ways to make it more bearable. Follow these tips to relieve the pain and find comfort with your braces.

Use an Icepack

One common complaint among patients with braces is soreness. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to manage this discomfort. First, try using an ice pack for 20-30 minutes at a time. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain. Ice Packs work by cooling and constricting your blood vessels, preventing the build-up of blood. This can help to reduce discomfort and pain and should be a go-to when dealing with soreness from your braces.

Avoid Hard/Crunchy Foods

Every time you eat, drink or talk, your braces rub against your gums, which can cause a lot of pain. However, there are some things you can do to help ease the soreness. First, try to avoid crunchy and hard foods as they can aggravate your gums even more. Soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are much gentler on your mouth. You should also avoid sticky foods like candy and gum as they can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove. You’ll find that chewing puts additional pressure on your teeth, so when feeling extra sore, give your mouth a rest.

Take a Pain Reliever

The final way to help ease the discomfort is to take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. While you shouldn’t rely on these for the long-term, for short-term relief when dealing with soreness they can be a lifesaver. Many OTC pain meds work by limiting the production of prostaglandins. These prostaglandins work a lot like hormones and send pain messages to your brain. By limiting the production of prostaglandins, OTC pain meds help slow or stop the pain signals to your brain. 

Braces may not be comfortable every day, but they are among the most effective ways to get the smile of your dreams. Dealing with the pain can be a breeze if you know what to do. Follow these tips and you can be comfortable in your braces at any time. 

Are you looking for an orthodontist that you can trust? See what the team at Farley Orthodontics can do for you and your smile today!