There are plenty of people who worry about their next trip to the orthodontist. On the one hand, orthodontist appointments always mean you are one step closer to getting your braces removed and having perfectly aligned teeth with a beautiful bite. On the other, each time you visit the orthodontist, you will usually get your braces tightened, which can be uncomfortable.

During this process, the orthodontist will be adjusting your braces to help move your teeth further into place, ensuring that your braces provide the results that you want.

As they move, this does put pressure on both the teeth and gums.

If you’ve ever wondered if there are any ways to eliminate or even reduce the amount of discomfort, here are some of the possibilities that you can consider.

 Consider An Oral Anesthetic 

An oral anesthetic can provide the relief you need and ensure that you don’t have to worry about braces hurting you.

There are a few anesthetics that you can consider including Orajel and Anbesol.

The anesthetic gel is applied directly to the areas that are causing you pain.

You can do this using either your finger or cotton swab to ensure that the gel is evenly spread.

Unfortunately, a lot of these gels do not taste particularly great.

However, they get the job done and will ensure that you won’t have to feel your teeth moving into place.

Consider Pain Medication

There are a few painkillers that you can consider which will help ensure that you don’t have to worry about your teeth causing your immense levels of pain.

You can take this about an hour before the appointment.

By the time you get your braces tightened, the medication will already have kicked in and will have started to provide the relief that you want.

There are plenty of over the counter painkillers that could be effective in this situatiuon.

Discuss it with a medical professional (your orthodontist) about what pain relief is best for you.

Try An Ice Pack

You can think about using an ice pack after your braces have been adjusted so that you can apply cold pressure to the area that is causing you a high level of pain.

Getting your braces tightened will typically cause discomfort because the adjustment causes inflammation.

With an ice pack, you can tackle this issue directly and ensure that you don’t have to worry about causing havoc with your teeth.

If you don’t have an ice pack, then you might want to consider drinking a cold glass of water.

This provides the same type of benefit and will help you reduce the level of inflammation in your mouth.

Rinse Your Mouth Out

You should make sure that you are rinsing your mouth regularly after your braces have been tightened.

It is possible that when braces have been adjusted that they irritate areas of your mouth.

By rinsing out your mouth regularly, you can ensure that these areas are disinfected and that they heal faster.

As you might expect this can also help with any inflammation too.

To do this, you should mix a teaspoon of salt with a glass of water. Make sure it’s lukewarm to gain the most benefits here.

You might also find that your dentist has recommended a particular mouthwash.

This can be used for the same results and ensure that your mouth does remain free from infections.

Use A Softer Toothbrush

Is your toothbrush hard and rough?

If so, it might be worth thinking about opting for one that is softer.

This can provide the same benefits when cleaning your teeth but will be easier on your mouth after your braces have been adjusted.

Eat Softer Foods

You want to avoid eating foods that are going to put too much pressure on your teeth when you are getting your braces adjusted.

When your braces are adjusted, your teeth are moving and shifting which makes them more sensitive.

So, anything hard or crunchy should be avoided completely.

Checkout our complete guide to the best foods to eat during orthodontic treatment.

Do this and you can avoid putting any pressure on your teeth at all while still getting a great meal.

Conclusion

We hope this helps you get the relief you need when you have had your braces adjusted.

It’s important to realise that any discomfort you experience during the treatment process will be temporary.

After this, your teeth will be back to normal and you’ll be able to enjoy a wider range of food once more.