Braces are a popular orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth and improve smiles. However, the pain and discomfort that often come with wearing braces can be challenging, especially after an initial fitting or adjustments. The pressure from the braces can cause sensitivity, mouth irritation, and general soreness, making daily activities like eating or speaking uncomfortable.
Whether you have traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or are considering newer options like clear aligners, many people experience some level of discomfort during their orthodontic treatment.
In this blog, we’ll share 10 effective ways to relieve braces pain and discomfort in 2025. Whether you’re wearing ceramic braces or dealing with the side effects of braces for teeth, these tips will help you manage the pain and keep your smile transformation on track.
What Causes Braces Pain?
Braces pain is a common experience during orthodontic treatment, caused by several factors. Here are the primary reasons for discomfort:
- Tightening of Wires: The main cause of pain is the pressure applied to the teeth when the braces wires are tightened during adjustments. This pressure moves the teeth into their new positions, causing soreness in the gums and teeth, especially after adjustments.
- Metal Brackets: The metal brackets on the braces can rub against the inside of your mouth, causing irritation, sores, or cuts on the cheeks, gums, and lips. These sharp edges can be especially bothersome when eating or talking.
- Mouth Irritation: The brackets and wires can cause friction inside the mouth, leading to soft tissue irritation and the formation of painful sores on the inside of the cheeks or lips.
- Eating Certain Foods: Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can increase discomfort by rubbing against the braces, loosening them, or getting stuck in the wires. These foods may worsen pain or cause further irritation.
- Braces Adjustments: Pain is most intense after braces adjustments, which typically happen every 4-6 weeks. These adjustments often involve tightening the wires or changing the brackets, which increases the pressure on the teeth.
10 Effective Tips to Relieve Braces Pain in 2025.
Whether you’re dealing with ceramic braces, metal options, or clear aligners, the right strategies can help you through the discomfort as you work toward that beautiful, straight smile.
Tip #1: Warm Salt Water Rinse
A warm salt water rinse is one of the simplest and most effective remedies for soothing mouth sores and reducing inflammation caused by braces. The salt helps to disinfect the mouth, promote healing, and reduce swelling.
How to Use:
- Boil a cup of water and let it cool until it’s warm, not too hot.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water and stir until dissolved.
- Take a sip of the mixture and swish it around your mouth for 30-60 seconds, focusing on the areas causing discomfort.
- Spit it out and repeat 2-3 times a day, especially after meals, to keep your mouth clean and relieve pain.
Tip #2: Use Ice or Cold Compresses
Cold therapy can be highly effective for numbing pain and reducing swelling in and around the mouth. The cold helps constrict blood vessels, providing instant relief from inflammation and reducing pain in the affected areas.
How to Use:
- Wrap a few ice cubes in a soft cloth or use a cold compress.
- Apply it gently to your outer jaw and cheeks where you feel discomfort.
- Hold it there for 10-15 minutes at a time, repeating every few hours for continued relief.
- Avoid placing ice directly on the skin to prevent frostbite.
Tip #3: Heat Therapy with Warm Tea Bags or Heating Pads
Heat therapy can help relieve jaw soreness and reduce inflammation in the muscles around the mouth. Using warm tea bags or heating pads can be a great way to soothe the discomfort.
How to Use:
- Peppermint Tea Bags: Steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water. Once it cools to a comfortable temperature, apply the moist tea bag directly to the sore areas of your mouth. The natural soothing properties of peppermint will help relieve pain.
- Heating Pad: Use a heating pad on the outer jaw to help relax tense muscles. Apply it for 10-15 minutes at a time, and repeat as necessary.
Tip #4: Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods
During times of braces discomfort, soft foods can be your best friend. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can irritate the inside of your mouth, damage your braces, or make soreness worse.
Recommended Soft Foods:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies
- Soft fruits like bananas
- Scrambled eggs
Sticking to these foods will minimize additional irritation and allow your mouth to heal faster.
Tip #5: Use Orthodontic Wax for Pain Relief
Orthodontic wax is a simple but highly effective way to protect the inside of your cheeks and lips from the sharp edges of braces. By creating a smooth barrier, the wax prevents irritation and sore spots.
How to Use:
- Break off a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball.
- Flatten the wax and press it over the brackets or wires that are causing irritation.
- Ensure it stays in place, and remove it when eating or drinking to avoid the wax mixing with food.
Tip #6: Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
When discomfort becomes too much to handle, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation.
Safety Tips:
- Always follow the recommended dosage on the package.
- Consult your orthodontist if you’re unsure about which medication to take or if you have any concerns about drug interactions.
- OTC medications can help, but they may not address the underlying issue, so continue with other pain relief methods.
Tip #7: Gum Massage to Relieve Discomfort
A gentle gum massage can help increase blood circulation to the sore areas, reduce muscle tension, and relieve discomfort.
How to Massage Your Gums:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before massaging.
- Use your clean fingers to gently massage the gums around the painful areas, applying light pressure in circular motions.
- Spend about 3-5 minutes massaging, and repeat multiple times a day.
Tip #8: Drink Cold Liquids and Eat Ice Cream
Cold liquids and ice cream can soothe inflamed areas in the mouth, providing instant pain relief by numbing the affected spots.
How to Use:
- Sip on cold water or fruit juices throughout the day.
- Enjoy a bowl of ice cream or popsicles as a treat to both soothe your mouth and lift your spirits.
Tip #9: Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment to prevent infections, reduce irritation, and keep your mouth feeling fresh. When braces rub against the inside of your mouth, it’s more important than ever to brush and floss carefully.
Brushing Tips:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid hurting sensitive gums.
- Brush after every meal to remove food particles that can cause irritation.
- Consider using an orthodontic toothbrush or an interdental brush to clean between the wires and brackets.
Tip #10: Consult Your Orthodontist If Pain Persists
If pain becomes unbearable or lasts for an extended period, it’s important to consult your orthodontist. Persistent pain may indicate an issue with the braces, such as a loose wire or bracket, that needs professional attention.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist:
- Pain doesn’t subside after a few days.
- You notice a loose or broken bracket or wire.
- You develop an infection or new sores.
Your orthodontist may be able to make adjustments to alleviate the discomfort or offer additional treatments to improve your experience with braces.
Conclusion
Braces pain is a common challenge for many individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively. From warm salt water rinses to using orthodontic wax, the 10 tips shared in this blog offer simple and practical ways to relieve discomfort.
Whether it’s using cold compresses, applying heat therapy, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers, there are several strategies you can incorporate into your daily routine to ease pain and help your mouth heal faster.
Remember, discomfort is often temporary, and with proper care and attention, you can minimize pain during your orthodontic journey. It’s important to stay patient and follow proper aftercare guidelines to ensure a smooth experience with braces.
If pain persists or you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist at Clinic Eximus for expert advice and tailored solutions to keep your smile journey on track.
