Home Remedies for Orthodontic Problems

Sometimes people who have braces struggle with the pain and discomfort that they feel as their teeth are being straightened. When you feel pain, especially after having something done in your mouth like spacers put in or your wires tightened, you don’t need to head back to the doctor to have them check it out. Luckily, there are several home remedies that you can find around the house and can help ease the temporary pain to get you further down the road to that perfect smile.

Heat It Up

Many times to help your mouth feel better, it is helpful to heat things. Sipping on mild hot tea (not a citrus flavor, which might further irritate your mouth) can help to soothe sore gums. Some patients find it helpful to hold the tea against your teeth for a few moments and swirl it around in your mouth like a mouthwash to feel the full effects of the hot tea. If you happen to have sores in your mouth from where the braces have rubbed, using a mixture of warm water and salt to swish around in your mouth (you don’t need to swallow, spit into the sink when you are done) can help to begin the process of healing the sores.

Cool It Down

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you can also use cold elements to feel better. Sipping on cold water or holding ice on your sensitive gums can sometimes numb the pain. Using a cold compress and alternating it with a hot pack seems to do the trick for many people as well. It is also helpful to eat ice cream, slushies, and Popsicles for the same reason, and it gives you an excuse to eat ice cream every day too!

Herbal Remedies

Increasingly popular these days is using herbal remedies to help your body to feel better quickly. There are a few natural substances that are known to help with easing pain. Spearmint is useful in soothing sore gums, but this doesn’t mean you can buy spearmint gum and chew it with your braces! Echinacea root is often helpful in treeing pain and discomfort. Willow bark and turmeric both help to fight inflammation of gums and are alternative ways to help heal your mouth.

Armed with these helpful hints, your pain should be kept at a minimum and will be a distant memory when those braces reveal that perfect smile someday soon.