When you have an appointment with the orthodontist, your braces may need to be readjusted. During this visit, wires in your braces may be replaced with a thicker wire, or the wires may be tightened. This can cause some discomfort, but luckily, you can use the following tips to deal with this pain.
Take Pain Medication Before the Appointment
If you're like many people, you don't think of taking pain medication until you are already in pain. However, taking over-the-counter pain medication before your appointment will help make sure that you are in less pain during the appointment as the readjusting is happening.
Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Salt Water
Another way to ease your discomfort after having your braces adjusted is to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. The warmth will soothe your gums, and the salt will help with swelling and disinfect any irritation or cuts on your gums as a result of the braces adjustment. You can rinse with salt water every few hours.
Avoid Orange Juice and Lemonade
You may love orange juice or lemonade, and think nothing of drinking them. However, both of these drinks are acidic, so they will aggravate any sores or cuts you have in your mouth, particularly after your braces have been adjusted. Avoid the drinks for a few days; in fact, you may want to cut down on your intake of these drinks in general, as they usually contain high amounts of sugar. Sugar from fruit juices can hide in the nooks and crannies of your braces and wear away the enamel on your teeth over time.
Chew on Frozen Teething Rings
Frozen teething rings can be a soothing way for you to help your teeth and gums feel better after a braces adjustment. Pop them into the freezer before your appointment with your orthodontist so that they are ready when you get home.
Use an Oral Anesthetic
You may know about oral anesthetics and use them if you have a cavity, but they can also be effective when you put them on your gums. Keep oral anesthetics handy and rub a small amount into your sore gums every so often.
Use the tips in this article to ease some of the discomfort you feel when your braces are adjusted. Talk to your orthodontist, such as Wright Center For Orthodontics, for more suggestions about how you can prepare for the adjustments and continue to care for your braces.
Share3 June 2015
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