How to Help Toothache From Braces
Read this article to learn how to help toothache from braces, how to prevent unnecessary pain, and when to go to your dentist for help.
One of the most common problems you will experience with braces is toothache. For that reason, knowing how to help toothache from braces is crucial, and lucky for all of us, there are a number of things that you can do.
At Didsbury Dental Clinic, we can answer your burning questions, like if a toothache can count as an emergency, or if stress can cause toothaches. You might want to know if you can go to A&E with a toothache, or why toothaches get worse at night, and we have all the answers.
Is it Normal to Get a Toothache from Braces?
Toothaches can cause earaches, and in some cases, even sinusitis, so it’s always best to get treatment as soon as possible. With that being said, it is normal to experience mild to moderate pain and toothaches when you have braces – especially when they have either just been fitted or they have been tightened.
How to Help Toothache From Braces
While most toothaches will go away on their own depending on the underlying cause, this doesn’t mean that they are easy to deal with or manage. Your first course of action is going to be the painkillers, so let’s go through the best options for you in the sections below.
Painkillers Are Effective
Medications like Bonjela are useful in helping toothaches, but for braces, it might not work as well. Luckily, there are a number of great painkillers for toothaches that you can turn to, like Ibuprofen or Paracetamol.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is the most popular painkiller in the UK, and it can be used for a wide variety of issues. Menstrual symptoms, flue, back pain, and toothaches can all be combated with this NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) as it helps to reduce inflammation.
Please remember that Ibuprofen should never be taken on an empty stomach since it can cause stomach irritation. Adults should take 400 mg every 4–6 hours, and the NHS can tell you about the dosage for children.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a great pain relief option for anyone with a history of ulcers or a sensitive stomach. This painkiller is used for a wide variety of things, from headaches and menstrual cramps to fevers and toothaches.
For adults, the recommended dosage is 500 mg every six hours. For paracetamol doses for children, the NHS covers what you need to know.
Benzocaine
This topical pain reliever works as an anaesthetic and numbs the affected area that it gets applied to. You can find benzocaine in products like Orajel™, and it can be purchased in stores like Boots, or ordered online.
If you use this product, please refer to the instructions to see how much you should use. Using too much product or using it too often can have negative side effects.
Home Remedies
Below are some popular topical at-home remedies that you can try if you have a toothache that you want to alleviate. Again, many of these will not be as effective as something like Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, but they will offer some help if you are in pain:
- Peppermint tea bags – used to help soothe sensitive gums and numb, peppermint tea bags should be heated, then allowed to cool slightly, and placed on the affected area. You could also freeze the tea bag for a few minutes to get the cold compress effect.
- Cold compress – this is particularly effective if there has been trauma (e.g. a facial injury) that has resulted in the toothache. Blood vessels constrict and the pain is reduced. Only place a cold compress on the area in 20-minute increments for a few hours.
- Vanilla extract – due to the alcohol in vanilla extract, the pain of a toothache can be numbed. Additionally, real vanilla contains antioxidant properties that can help with healing.
- Clove oil – thanks to the eugenol in cloves, the affected areas can be numbed by applying some of this oil to the parts of your mouth being affected by a toothache. You can use a cotton ball to apply the oil, or mix the clove with a carrier oil (e.g. coconut oil).
- Garlic – garlic is excellent for reducing pain and promoting healing due to the antibacterial You can chew some fresh garlic or crush some into a paste to be applied to the affected or painful areas.
Feel free to try several different remedies and see which ones work for you. Please remember that everyone is different, and what works well for one person might not work at all for another, so there may be a lot of trial and error involved.
Other Pain from Braces
Braces themselves can cause pain, and this can be troublesome to deal with. Because of the nature of braces, with wires and hard pieces of metal, you might need to take steps to prevent these parts from hurting you.
Orthodontic Wax for Cuts
If your mouth hurts due to cuts from the braces, we recommend using orthodontic wax. This will protect the affected area and allow the cuts to heal while preventing any new ones from forming in that area. Luckily, doing this is easy, and you can follow these simple steps to use orthodontic wax to help toothache from braces:
- Roll a small piece of the wax into a ball
- Carefully press it over the part of the braces or wire that is causing the discomfort
- Make sure the wax is firmly applied so that it stays on
Simply ask for this wax when you get your braces, and we will be happy to provide it. If you forget, you can always come by and pick some up, or get some at your next appointment – whatever works for you.
Preventing Additional Pain When Wearing Braces
To prevent additional and unnecessary pain while you have braces, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat, and brush your teeth after every meal. By doing these two things, you are protecting your sensitive teeth as they are getting corrected, and are less likely to experience a variety of pain and discomfort.
We recommend sticking with softer foods while you have braces, and especially when they are first fit and every time they get tightened, as this is when your teeth will be the most sensitive. Foods like mashed potatoes and soup are always good options, but you can discover all kinds of recipes. Avoid hard or sticky foods, and any foods with a lot of sugar in them, as this can have a negative impact on your braces.
When to Visit Your Dentist
Sometimes, it is best not to try and deal with toothaches yourself, and instead visit a dentist for help. However, this should not be done at the first sign of a toothache. Unless the pain is severe or continues for extended periods of time, try all of the above methods before booking an appointment.
We encourage you to make an appointment with your dentist if:
- None of the at-home treatments of pain medication is working
- You notice that there are broken brackets or wires in the braces
- You have fallen or had an accident that has resulted in intense pain
Pain is the last thing we want you to endure, and if you feel like you need help, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Final Thoughts
At Didsbury Dental Practice, we have emergency dentists in Manchester to help with your dental care. If you are on the lookout for a new dentist, or require treatments like dentures, or you simply need help with a toothache, we would be happy to help.
Now that you know how to help toothache from braces, hopefully you can alleviate the pain and discomfort, and get back to enjoying everything you love in no time.
