15 Useful Braces Care Hacks for Pain Relief & More!

Wearing braces can be quite an ordeal, with discomfort, pain, and a need for thorough dental care. But don’t worry—there are plenty of simple and effective ways to manage pain and keep your teeth healthy during your orthodontic journey. 

15 Essential Hacks to Make Braces Care Easier and More Comfortable

1. Ortho Wax: Always keep some orthodontic wax handy. If a wire pokes, apply wax to the area. In a pinch, you can also use a small piece of cotton to cushion the poking wire.
2. Chewing Gum for Poking Wires: As a temporary solution, you can apply a piece of sugar-free gum to the area where the wire is poking. This can provide immediate relief until you can see your orthodontist.
3. Massaging Ulcers: Gently massaging any ulcers or sore spots in your mouth can help alleviate pain and promote healing.
4. Pain Relief: If the pain is severe, you can take paracetamol to help manage it. Avoid other painkillers, as they can interfere with tooth movement.
5. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean can significantly reduce inflammation and pain. Brush and floss regularly, and use mouthwash to kill bacteria.
6. Gargling with Water: After every meal or drink, especially staining or acidic ones like tea and fruit juices, gargle with water to remove food particles and reduce the risk of cavities.
7. Healthy Eating: Try to eat healthy, avoiding sticky foods as much as possible. Eat sweet items like chocolates and candies only at meal times, and avoid eating or drinking anything before brushing in the morning.
8. Soft Toothbrush and Herbal Toothpaste: Use a soft toothbrush with proper brushing techniques and herbal toothpaste. If you’re following these guidelines, you can brush once daily and use mouthwash at other times.
9. Interdental Floss: Use interdental floss (a water flosser is best) after meals to keep the spaces between your teeth clean.
10. Stress Management: Relieving stress can help reduce teeth grinding during sleep, which causes occlusal wear and sensitivity. Try to manage stress through relaxation techniques and ensure you’re getting enough rest.

More Tips for Braces Wearers

1. Relieve Stress: Stress can cause you to grind your teeth during sleep, leading to occlusal wear and sensitivity. Reducing stress can help prevent this.
2. Gargle Frequently: Rinsing your mouth after eating or drinking can help keep it clean, especially after consuming sticky or staining foods.
3. Healthy Eating: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially raw, crunchy ones, to naturally clean your teeth.
4. Oil Pulling: Swishing edible vegetable oil around your mouth for 10-20 minutes can help remove bacteria. Be sure not to swallow the oil.
5. Vitamin E for Gums: Applying vitamin E can help heal swollen gums.

Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces. Here are some tips to ensure your teeth stay clean and healthy:

1. Brush and Floss Regularly Brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. A water flosser can be particularly useful for cleaning around braces. Regular brushing and flossing help reduce inflammation and prevent plaque buildup around brackets and wires.
2. Stay Hydrated and Rinse After Eating Gargling with water 2-3 times after eating can help wash away food particles and reduce the risk of cavities. This is especially important after consuming staining or acidic foods and drinks like tea, coffee, and fruit juices.
3. Use Soft-Bristled Toothbrushes and Herbal Toothpaste A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your teeth and gums, reducing the risk of damage. Herbal toothpaste can provide additional benefits, such as soothing gums and freshening breath.
4. Manage Stress to Prevent Teeth Grinding Stress can lead to teeth grinding, which can wear down teeth and cause sensitivity. Practice stress-relief techniques such as meditation, exercise, or deep-breathing exercises to protect your teeth and overall oral health.

More Dental Care Tips

Taking care of your teeth is a lifelong commitment. Here are some additional tips to ensure your teeth stay healthy:

1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly Schedule dental check-ups every six months, even when you have braces. Regular visits allow your dentist to catch any issues early and provide guidance on maintaining healthy teeth during orthodontic treatment.
2. Protect Your Teeth During Physical Activity If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. For those who grind their teeth at night, consider using a nightguard to prevent wear and tear.

General Tips for Overall Dental Health

• Start Brushing Routines Early: Encourage good brushing habits from a young age to ensure they become second nature.
• Brush After Meals and Before Bed: Brush your teeth after breakfast, lunch (if possible), and before bed to maintain a clean mouth throughout the day.
• Carry Floss Everywhere: Keep floss with you and make it a habit to floss every night before bed.
• Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly: Change your toothbrush every three months to avoid using a brush with frayed bristles that can harbour bacteria.
• Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Dark sodas, acidic fruits, coffee, and tea can stain your teeth. If you do consume these, brush your teeth immediately afterwards to prevent staining.
• Wear Protective Gear: Use a mouthguard for sports and a nightguard if you grind your teeth.

Conclusion

Taking care of your teeth while wearing braces might seem overwhelming, but with these 15 essential braces care hacks, you can manage pain and maintain excellent dental hygiene. Remember, this is a temporary phase that will lead to a beautiful, healthy smile. Stick to these tips, and you’ll get through your orthodontic journey with ease and confidence.