How to Ease the Pain of Braces

Having braces can be a painful experience because the braces are shifting your teeth around. Taking care of your teeth while you have braces is extremely important, as is managing the pain that comes along with braces. It is always a good idea to be prepared and have the materials you need on hand to deal with your discomfort.

Things You'll Need

• Tylenol or Advil
• Anbesol or other topical analgesic
• Listerine or other strong mouthwash

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Instructions

• 1

  Take a pain reliever such as Tylenol or an anti-inflammatory like Advil when your teeth begin to ach. Taking Advil on an empty stomach is not recommended, so if your teeth are hurting enough that you don't want to eat anything, Tylenol might be the better choice. Take note if your teeth hurt soon after you leave your orthodontist and consider taking pain medication before your next appointment.

• 2

  Carry your preferred pain reliever with you at all times so that you can take the medication should your teeth start to hurt. Most pain relievers take about an hour to begin working.

• 3

  Use a topical analgesic, such as Anbesol or Colgate Orabase, to relieve pain from canker sores that can occur when the metal bits rub up against the side of your mouth. These products will help the canker sores heal by forming a protective barrier over the area.

• 4

  Swish mouthwash a few times a day to keep bacteria from getting in the canker sores. This will help sores heal faster in addition to protecting areas where they might form.