Kate's Fear of TMJ

What Can You Do About Discomfort From Dental Braces?

Dental braces are instrumental in helping to straighten misaligned teeth. For brace wearers, there can be occasional discomfort. If you currently wear braces or plan to in the future, there are ways you can eliminate or lessen the problems that sometimes come with wearing the appliances. Here are some of the most commonly experienced problems and what you can do to ease the discomfort.  

Increased Sensitivity

After first getting braces, you might notice an increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. The sensitivity can sometimes reoccur after the braces are readjusted. The sensitivity usually does not last long, but there are ways you can overcome the issue.  

For starters, you should brush with a desensitizing toothpaste. Some toothpastes have recommendations on how long you should use them, so pay close attention to the instructions.  

You also should brush and floss after every meal. When you are wearing braces, substances that are harmful to the enamel can sometimes stick to the surface of the teeth. With less enamel on the surface of your teeth to protect them, you are more likely to experience sensitivity.  

A simple way to avoid the demineralization is to up your dental hygiene. By brushing and flossing more, you can prevent acids and sugars from eating away at your enamel. 

Soreness and Discomfort

Your teeth and gums might feel sore following adjustments and the initial installment of the braces. One of the main reasons this happens is that the braces are forcing your teeth into a new position. The soreness usually subsides after a couple of days, but there are steps you can take to lessen or even avoid it altogether.  

Before the installation of the braces or an adjustment, take a pain reliever. The pain reliever might ward off the discomfort before it occurs. You also need to watch your diet. A diet consisting of crunchy or hard foods can intensify the discomfort. Until the discomfort passes, consider eating a softer diet.   

In addition to these measures, try holding an ice pack to your face in the place where the pain is. The cold pack will help to alleviate the pain and preventing any inflammation that might be occurring.  

If your pain persists or you experience any other problems with your dental braces, talk to your dentist. He or she can recommend methods for overcoming those problems and even reassess your braces and their positioning to determine if further adjustments are needed.