How to reduce pain from braces in the first week

Getting braces is a big step toward achieving a straighter, healthier smile, but let's be honest, the first week can be tough. It's completely normal to feel some soreness, tightness, or pressure as your teeth begin to move. The good news? There are many ways to manage it. In this blog, we'll walk you through exactly how to stop braces pain, with practical tips and trusted home remedies that make your first week more bearable.

Why braces hurt in the first week

Braces work by applying consistent pressure to your teeth, causing them to shift over time. This pressure is what causes the discomfort, especially during the first few days when your mouth is adjusting to something new. You may experience:

• Sore or tender teeth

• Pain when chewing

• Irritated cheeks or gums

• Headaches or jaw aches

The pain usually peaks within 1-3 days and fades by the end of the week.

Braces pain: First week remedies

Here's how to relieve braces discomfort fast with a mix of proven methods, at-home tricks, and orthodontist-approved solutions:

Use orthodontic wax for pain

Brackets and wires can rub against your cheeks and gums, causing small sores. Orthodontic wax acts as a cushion. Just dry the bracket with a tissue, pinch off a small bit of wax, roll it into a ball, and press it over the sharp area.

Stick to soft foods

Avoid hard or crunchy foods during your first week. Instead, go for soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and pasta. Soft foods are easier to chew and won't add pressure to already-sensitive teeth.

Cold compress or ice water

Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb pain. Sipping on ice water or sucking on ice chips can also offer relief from soreness.

Over-the-counter pain relief

You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen if the pain becomes uncomfortable. Always follow the dosage instructions and check with your orthodontist if you're unsure what's safe.

Salt water rinse

If your cheeks or gums feel raw, rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day. It's a simple and natural way to reduce irritation and promote healing.

Avoid touching your braces

It's tempting to poke around with your tongue or fingers, but this can make things worse. Give your mouth time to adjust and avoid unnecessary pressure or contact with your braces.

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How to relieve braces pain at home

Beyond the remedies above, here are some braces pain relief tips you can follow from the comfort of your home: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean around your brackets.

• Apply numbing gel like Orajel directly to sore spots (check with your orthodontist first).

• Keep your head elevated when sleeping to reduce blood flow to sore areas.

• Chew sugar-free gum (if your orthodontist allows it) to increase blood flow and reduce stiffness.

• These small habits can go a long way in easing the discomfort of your first week with braces pain.

When to call your orthodontist

It's pretty normal to have some pain with braces, especially at the start. But if things like sharp wires are poking you, or if you have sores that don't seem to get better, or if pain meds don't really help much, or there's swelling, then it's probably time to let your orthodontist know. They might be able to fix the braces or give you something stronger.

How to stop braces pain early on

The first few days with braces can be uncomfortable, but the pain is only temporary, and it's a sign that your treatment is working. By using braces pain (first week) remedies like cold compresses, salt water rinses, and OTC pain killers, you can stay on track and feel better faster.

With time, your mouth will adjust, and you'll barely notice your braces. Just remember: a little discomfort now means a lifetime of confident smiles later.

FAQs

How to stop braces from hurting? +

Use orthodontic wax, eat soft foods, take OTC pain relief, and rinse with salt water to ease the discomfort.

Can braces' pain go away in 2 days? +

Yes, in many cases, the pain lessens significantly after 2-3 days. The worst of it usually fades within the first week.

How much do braces hurt on a scale of 1 to 10? +

Most people report pain levels between 3 and 6 in the first few days. It's more pressure than sharp pain.

Do braces wires hurt? +

They can if they poke or rub inside your mouth. Orthodontic wax helps cover sharp ends, and your orthodontist can trim wires if needed.

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