My braces hurt so bad I can’t sleep, how to calm the pain? What are the most common causes? Can we ask the orthodontist to loosen our braces? And finally, what are the good precautions to avoid these pains?
I. My Braces Hurt So Bad I Can’t Sleep: The Causes?
The installation of a dental appliance may cause unbearable pain. Several elements can explain this.
First, these pains can be linked to the extraction of teeth before the installation of the dental extraction. In this case, the pain is bony.
It is also possible that it is the actual placement of the appliance that causes your pain. Your pain begins the day or evening after the appliance is placed.
The pain occurs when you bite into food. If this is the case, then it is the period of adaptation of your body to the braces.
Orthodontic braces can also cause pain if they rub inside your mouth.
II. My Braces Hurt So Bad I Can’t Sleep, How to Soothe the Pain?
1. Take Painkillers
Taking painkillers can help in case of pain in the gum or elsewhere in the mouth. Ask your pharmacist, these medicines are sold without prescription. Paracetamol for example can help.
2. Applying Orthodontic Wax
Apply wax if your pain is related to your braces.
The wax is applied directly to your braces and acts as a buffer by preventing contact with the mucous membranes in your mouth.
This will relieve you of your pain.
3. Rinsing with Salt Water
Mouthwashes are useful for alleviating the pain experienced after braces are placed.
A saltwater mouthwash is effective. Simply add a spoonful of salt to a glass of water and stir.
This mouthwash is very effective in soothing dental pain.
4. Rinse with Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide
Another mouthwash that can help is diluted hydrogen peroxide.
For this, mix one teaspoon to 20 volumes of hydrogen peroxide in a glass of water. It is very useful against pain in the gum.
5. Application of Ice and Cold on the Cheek
Cold soothes sore and aching muscles. Apply an ice pack, or frozen peas against your cheek to soothe your pain. A simple and effective method.
6. Put on the Rubber Bands that Come with Your Braces
These are the rubber bands that connect the teeth of the upper jaw to those of the lower jaw.
This helps to alleviate the pain of wearing braces. These rubber bands are called ligatures or O-rings.
7. Chewing on Frozen Teething Rings
Teething rings are usually used for children. Nevertheless, they are a good way to soothe your dental pain. Put them in a cool place and chew them once they are frozen, focusing on the most painful area of your mouth.
8. Eat Only Soft Foods
Soft foods are always recommended right after braces are placed to get used to them. They offer less resistance to the jaw, which reduces the pain of braces.
9. Use of Heat Packs
Heat can also be a source of relief. So, if the cold has failed to soothe you, don’t hesitate to put a warm washcloth against your cheek. This will surely help.
III. Can We Ask the Orthodontist to Loosen our Braces?
If you are experiencing unbearable pain and it has been going on for several days, it may be necessary to return to your orthodontist.
Your dentist is the only person who can assess the situation and decide what to do.
IV. Some Precautions to Take to Avoid Braces Pain
1. Avoid Acidic Food and Drinks
When you have just had your braces fitted, it is best to avoid acidic drinks. These can be irritating and cause pain.
This is the case with sodas or natural fruit juices, for example. The acids they contain can erode your teeth.
2. Use a Soft Toothbrush
The soft toothbrush is less aggressive for the mouth. Because your mouth is sensitive, you should brush with a soft toothbrush to avoid irritation.
3. Using Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth and Gums
Kinds of toothpaste for sensitive teeth are specifically designed to soothe gums and teeth.
The fluoride and mineral salts they contain work wonders throughout the mouth.
4. Avoid Sticky Foods (Like Chocolate)
Whether it’s chocolate or chewing gum, sticky foods are dangerous when you have braces.
Cleaning braces is tricky. Also, when these foods stick to the braces, it is difficult to get them out.
5. Avoid Sugary Foods
Sugar is harmful to teeth. It should be avoided when you have braces, as with sticky foods.
Sugar can leave a residue that will later cause cavities. This risk is greater with braces because of the difficulty of cleaning them properly.
V. Other Questions About Pain from Braces
1. How Long Does the Pain from Braces Last?
It is difficult to accurately estimate how long braces pain lasts. Generally, after three days your jaw should be used to the braces.
This is the period it takes after the braces are put on for the pain to subside.
2. Why Dental Pain in the First Days of Braces
Braces are a foreign body introduced into your mouth. The pain is a way for your organism and your body to react to the presence of this intruder.
After a few days, the pain will disappear as your body gets used to it.
If the cause of the pain is something else, such as braces that are too tight, then it will last more than a few days. Your orthodontist may need to intervene.
3. Why Do my Braces Hurt When I Eat?
You may experience pain when chewing shortly after you get your braces.
This is a period of adjustment and is related to the initial shifting of the teeth. Your teeth become more sensitive.
4. Why Do Braces Hurt the First Few Days?
Braces are painful for the first three days or so because your body is trying to adjust to a foreign body.
This pain is usually more uncomfortable than unbearable. But it’s also possible to get canker sores from braces.
This is the case if your braces irritate your mucosa. Orthodontic wax can soothe you in this case.
5. Why Put Your Dentures in a Glass of Water?
Dentures should be removed from the jaw at night. By keeping your dentures in a glass of water, you keep them moist, which is very helpful for their function.
In addition, it prevents bacteria from reaching it.
It’s also a way to allow your jaw to rest overnight.
6. Is there a Powerful Dental Pain Reliever?
If you’re experiencing unbearable pain, it’s normal to look for the best dental pain reliever available. While paracetamol is easily prescribed and has proven to be effective, if your pain is very severe, try ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen usually offers excellent results in cases of toothache and other problems. It is available without a prescription, but you should not take more than 4 per day.
Useful Links:
Impact of fashion braces on oral health-related quality of life: a web-based cross-sectional study
A decision-making process to undergo orthodontic treatment: a qualitative study
How Long Should a Dental Bridge Last (Lifespan)?
Controversial report finds no proof that dental braces work