After having your braces tightened by a Mt. Washington orthodontist, you can expect your teeth and gums to be noticeably sensitive for a short period of time. The discomfort should only be temporary, but there is no need to suffer at all. To manage the tenderness and increase your comfort, the orthodontist suggests one or more of the following 6 pain control tips:
- Oral anesthetics. Swipe a small amount of Orajel or Anbesol on your sensitive gums to temporarily numb the tender areas.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: You can relieve orthodontic pain with the same medications that you use to manage a headache. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and consult the pharmacist for help if necessary.
- Apply an ice pack. Place a cold gel pack or ice pack to the face or mouth near the tender area. Cool pressure helps to reduce pain-causing inflammation.
- Drink ice water. Numb the inside of the mouth by drinking ice water for quick pain relief. Just like an ice pack, the cool temperature will control the inflammation and reduce the pain.
- Choose softer foods. If the pressure from chewing is making your sensitive teeth more painful, switch to softer foods like mashed potatoes and soups for a day or two.
- Hang in there! The teeth, gums, and bone are miraculous in the way that they can recover and heal so quickly. The orthodontist is trained to move the teeth slowly and carefully so that there is minimal trauma and maximum results. So, don’t give up. Teeth that feel incredibly sensitive now will feel just like normal in no time at all. Do something fun to take your mind off of your teeth and the sensitive will quickly become a distant memory.
Moving the teeth without a little discomfort is almost impossible, but there are ways to keep yourself comfortable in the meantime. Consult an orthodontist in Mt. Washington today for more advice.