What Can I Do to Minimize Discomfort After an Orthodontic Adjustment?

Tooth soreness for a few days after orthodontic adjustment visits is very common. Even though this discomfort is usually mild, it can occasionally be intense for a very short time. Fortunately, there are some things that can be done to alleviate pain after orthodontic treatment. Below are some tips for relieving orthodontic pain:

AcceleDent™ System

In addition to allowing the teeth to move more quickly, the AcceleDent™ System has been shown to eliminate tooth soreness after an orthodontic adjustment within a shorter period of time than otherwise possible.

“Exercise” your teeth

One of the best ways to get rid of your tooth soreness as quickly as possible is to utilize the clear rubber bite wafer you were given when you started treatment. Repeatedly squeezing and releasing several times per day increases blood flow to the area, which promotes healing and pain relief.

Avoid crunchy and hard foods

It is wise to avoid consuming crunchy or hard foods, such as carrots or celery, for example. Generally anything that requires a lot of chewing (e.g. steak) should be avoided. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies are the types of foods that people should consume while the teeth are sore.

Take over-the-counter pain medications

Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen have been shown to be very effective at alleviating orthodontic pain. People should make sure that they do not exceed the recommended dosage. Furthermore, because everyone reacts differently to medication, people should consult with their doctor if any unexpected side effects are noticed.

Rinse your mouth out with warm salt water

Warm salt water may also help ease the irritation. People should use a ½ tsp of salt in a cup of water to rinse their mouth out several times per day.