When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.
If this is your first time having your braces adjusted, you might not have been prepared for the pain and discomfort that accompanied the procedure. Each time you have your braces adjusted, the orthodontist will either tighten, bend, or replace the arch wire, which is the metal band that stretches across the front of your teeth. Each time your archwire is adjusted, your teeth will shift their position, which can cause pain. Here are four simple ways to help alleviate the pain and discomfort.
Use Oral Anesthetic
One of the quickest ways to dull orthodontic pain is to apply oral anesthetic – such as teething drops. The oral anesthetics will numb your mouth so that you won't feel the pain while your teeth adjust. Oral anesthetic ointment can be found in the baby department and dental hygiene departments of most grocery stores. Be sure to use a cotton applicator when applying the anesthetic. You don't want to transfer germs to your mouth.
Drink Ice Water
Ice water is another effective way to alleviate the discomfort you feel when your braces are adjusted. Fill a water bottle with ice and water and sip on it throughout the day. The cold water will dull the pain and reduce gum swelling and tenderness.
In addition to drinking ice water, it's also a good idea to apply ice packs to your mouth. If you don't want the sensation of hard ice on your sore mouth, you can use homemade ice packs. These ice packs have the consistency of a soft slushie when they're ready for use. Simply place 2 cups of water and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol into a resealable plastic baggie. Place the baggie in the freezer for several hours. When the ice pack is ready, simply apply it directly to your face. For best results, make several of the ice packs so that you can switch them out as they lose their chill.
Rinse with Salt Water
If you develop mouth sores after having your braces adjusted, you can use salt water rinses to reduce the swelling, alleviate the discomfort and speed up the healing process. Open sores can become infected, so it's important that you treat your mouth sores as soon as they develop. Fill a mug with warm water and add about 1 tablespoon of salt. Stir the water to dissolve the salt and then rinse your mouth with the solution. Repeat the process at least twice a day.
If you're experiencing pain after your trip to the orthodontist, the simple tips provided here will help alleviate the discomfort. If the pain increases, be sure to speak to your orthodontist.
Share29 June 2016
