If you recently got your braces on or got them tightened, you’re likely dealing with sore teeth. This tightening is a necessary part of the teeth-straightening process, but it can be a nuisance. Luckily there are a few ways to deal with the soreness until it goes away on its own!
Oral anesthetic
An oral anesthetic will numb your gums so you don’t feel the pain. These can be found at any pharmacy. Use a cotton swab or your finger to apply the gel directly to your teeth and gums where you feel discomfort.
Over the counter pain medicine
An hour before your appointment, take an over the counter pain reliever to help ease any discomfort.
Ice pack
Just like any injury, apply a cold ice pack to your mouth can help tremendously. The cold temperature provides a numb sensation in the mouth and decreases inflammation in the sore gums.
Eat soft foods
Crunchy foods will likely make the pain worse. Stick to soft foods like pudding, yogurt, or mashed potatoes. Find other recipes for soft foods in the blog!
The best thing you can do when you have sore gums from the orthodontist is to be patient! The pain will go away within a few days. If you feel your pain has been going on for too long, please contact our office.