How to Stop Braces Pain Immediately: 15 Instant Pain Relief Tips

Have you just gotten braces or recently had them tightened? You might be wondering, how do I get rid of this braces pain? The good news? There are plenty of easy things you can do to ease that soreness.Braces pain is pretty normal, especially at the start or after adjustments. But that doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it. From simple home remedies to quick fixes, this article is here to go over 15 straightforward ways to stop braces pain and keep your mouth feeling better day by day.

How to Stop Braces Pain Immediately: 15 Tips That Work

Here’s a list of tried-and-true methods to attain braces pain relief. Each one is easy to do, and some you might not have thought of yet.

  1. Take Oral Anesthetics

    Products like Orajel or Anbesol are super handy. Just dab a little on the sore spots inside your mouth, and the pain numbs for a while. It’s a fast way to feel better when brackets or wires rub painfully.

  2. Rub an Ice Pack

    Cold is your friend when it comes to swelling and pain. Wrap up an ice pack or even a bag of frozen veggies in a cloth and hold it against your cheek for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll notice the swelling go down and the pain dull pretty quickly.

  3. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine

    Sometimes, you need a little extra help, and that’s okay. Ibuprofen (like Advil) not only relieves braces pain but also fights inflammation. Tylenol is good, too, if you prefer it. Just be sure to take the right dose and not overdo it.

  4. Orthodontic Wax to the Rescue

    Those tiny bits of wax might seem insignificant, but they can be a game-changer. When brackets or wires poke the inside of your cheeks or lips, apply a small piece of orthodontic wax over the sharp area. It smooths things out and prevents painful sores.

  5. Consume Cold Water or Beverages

    When your teeth feel sensitive, cold drinks can be soothing. Stick to water or iced herbal teas to help toothache from braces. Try to avoid sugary or acidic drinks that might irritate your mouth.

  6. Rinse With Saltwater

    Saltwater rinses are an age-old trick for a reason. Mix a teaspoon of salt into warm water, swish it around gently for about 30 seconds, and spit. This helps reduce inflammation and cleans out any mouth sores.

  7. Eat Soft Foods

    When your braces are acting up, it’s best to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods. Think mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, yogurt, or soup. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or sticky until your mouth feels better.

  8. Keep Up With Oral Hygiene

    Good hygiene doesn’t just keep your teeth healthy. It helps prevent irritation and pain. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle around your braces. Floss carefully, too.

  9. Chew Frozen Teething Rings

    For younger patients (and even some adults), frozen teething rings can soothe braces pain. They gently massage your gums and provide cold comfort. Just make sure the ring is safe for your age.

  10. Massage Your Gums

    Gently massaging your gums with clean fingers helps improve blood flow and can ease soreness. It’s a simple trick to reduce braces pain which you can do anytime your gums feel tender.

  11. Brush More Often

    Brushing your teeth after meals helps clear food particles stuck around your braces. Keeping everything clean reduces the chance of irritation and pain.

  12. Apply Some Numbing Gel

    There are gels designed for sensitive teeth that can help numb the surface of your teeth if they feel especially sore. This can add extra comfort alongside other remedies.

  13. Calm Your Pain With Peppermint Tea Bags & Peppermint Oil

    Peppermint has a natural calming effect. Warm peppermint tea bags applied on your cheeks or a tiny bit of diluted peppermint oil near sore areas can soothe pain and make braces stop hurting.

  14. Use a Heating Pad

    While ice helps with swelling, heat relaxes tight muscles. If your jaw feels tense, a warm compress or heating pad can relieve some discomfort.

  15. Be Patient

    The soreness won’t last forever. Your mouth needs time to adjust to the braces, and each day will get a little easier. Stick with these tips to stop pain with braces, and your pain will become manageable fast.

What are the Components of Braces?

Braces are comprised of several parts that include:

Brackets

Brackets are square metal pieces that are attached to the front surface of the teeth. The brackets evenly apply pressure to the teeth to move them into place.

Metal rings

Metal rings are made to fit at the back of the teeth.

Archwires

Archwires connect the brackets to one another, and they are made of stainless steel, nickel, titanium, or copper titanium. They control the tooth movement.

Rubber bands or elastic ties

These bands attach the wires to the brackets and are also used to connect teeth in the upper and lower jaws. These elastic bands also called O-rings or ligatures.

What Causes Braces Pain?

The braces pain can be attributed to various internal as well as external factors as follows:

01

Internal factors

Some research says that braces pain may be due to the change in the blood flow that occurs when the braces apply pressure to the teeth.

02

External factors

The friction caused due to the physical rubbing of the brackets and wires can irritate the soft tissue inside the mouth, thus causing braces pain. This type of pain reduces over time as the tissues become stronger. Another reason for braces pain can be due to the archwires poking into the back of the mouth.

Braces pain can be a real pain! But you don’t have to suffer in silence. With these 15 easy, practical tips, you can take control and keep your smile journey comfortable. Remember, every bit of discomfort is temporary, and it’s all leading you to a healthier, straighter smile.

Want more detailed tips? Check out Brite Orthodontics’ full guide on how to get rid of braces pain for expert advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use orthodontic wax, cold packs, and OTC painkillers. Eating soft foods helps, too.

Pain typically lasts 1 to 3 days, with the worst discomfort around the second day.

Saltwater rinses, oral numbing gels, and gentle gum massages can all help.

Daily pain isn’t usual. If you feel constant pain, it’s a good idea to check in with your orthodontist.

Soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups are best.

Ice packs, peppermint tea, and gum massages are natural options.

Yes, it protects your mouth from sharp edges and reduces irritation.

Generally, yes. The teething rings can soothe gums but should be BPA-free and age-appropriate.

Apply ice packs for 10-15 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.

Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe when used correctly.

Yes, heat relaxes jaw muscles and can reduce tension-related pain.

Picture of Dr. Nimesh Patel

Dr. Nimesh Patel

Dr. Patel is an orthodontist and maintains a private practice in Rome, NY. He completed his undergraduate education at the Ohio State University. Then, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. After earning his doctorate, Dr. Patel attended a three-year, dual-degree residency at Columbia University in New York City. Here, he earned his certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics as well as earning a Masters in Oral Biology. During his time off, Dr. Patel likes to stay active by jogging, biking, and hiking.