Sensitive teeth when wearing braces are quite common for most customers when performing orthodontics. So whether sensitive teeth when wearing braces is okay or not depends on how long the sensitivity lasts. If the customer only has sensitivity for the first few days, it is completely normal because the teeth have not had time to adapt, but if it lasts longer without signs of improvement, they should go to the dentist for examination and timely treatment.
1. Is it okay to have sensitive teeth when wearing braces?
Tooth sensitivity is very common in the first week after the patient has braces. This is also a normal condition because the teeth are in their natural state and are affected by the tightening force of the orthodontic appliance, so they have not had time to adapt.
The feeling of sensitivity and discomfort will usually disappear after only a few days depending on each person’s constitution. However, if the pain does not subside and continues for many days after braces, the patient should see a doctor immediately for examination and treatment. Because in this case, it is very possible that the teeth were accidentally damaged during the braces, making them no longer as healthy as before and becoming more sensitive.
2. Why do teeth hurt when wearing braces?
Prolonged tooth pain when wearing braces can be due to the following reasons:
2.1. Due to poor quality braces
For traditional braces, the archwire and bracket system will be fixed to the tooth surface to create a tightening force to help the teeth move to the correct position on the jaw. Therefore, if poor quality orthodontic appliances are used, the teeth will be subjected to a lot of friction, which will damage the enamel, causing long-term tooth pain.
2.2. Improper oral hygiene
Another reason for tooth enamel erosion is improper daily oral hygiene. For example: Brushing too hard, brushing right after eating, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, brushing horizontally, etc. These bad habits not only wear down tooth enamel but also damage the tooth roots, making teeth sensitive and painful.
2.3. Eating foods high in acid
In addition to oral hygiene habits, diet is also an important factor affecting tooth health. In cases where patients regularly eat foods such as lemons, mangoes, carbonated soft drinks, etc., high acid concentrations will also erode tooth enamel, exposing dentin. In addition, foods that are too hot or too cold can also make teeth more painful.
2.4. Due to weak tooth base
In case the tooth base is weak before braces, it is inevitable that there will be pain and soreness after braces are attached. The braces will exert pulling force on the teeth and jawbone, so if the teeth are not strong enough, they cannot withstand the force, causing pain and soreness.
2.5. Due to the doctor performing braces incorrectly
The success of a braces case depends largely on the doctor’s skills. If you choose a dental clinic with poor reputation, the doctor performing the procedure does not have enough experience, they may make wrong diagnoses, and at the same time, they cannot adjust the force of the arch wire and braces to suit the condition of the teeth, which can cause many complications after braces such as pain, soreness, misaligned bite, etc. If not promptly treated, it can cause other serious consequences, even loosening or losing teeth.
3. How to reduce pain when wearing braces
To reduce pain when wearing braces, customers can apply some of the following simple methods at home:
3.1. Use pain relievers
In some cases, the doctor will prescribe mild pain relievers such as Advil or Aleve to help the patient feel more comfortable. However, you should absolutely not use any pain relievers without a doctor’s prescription, and at the same time, follow the correct dosage to ensure safety.
3.2. Use salt water
Salt water is also one of the ingredients that effectively reduces pain. Customers should rinse their mouths with diluted salt water or physiological saline to limit pain and sensitivity during the braces process. In addition, if you feel too uncomfortable, you can apply dental wax to the braces to reduce friction.
3.3. Use toothpaste to reduce tooth sensitivity
Customers can consider using some types of toothpaste to reduce tooth sensitivity for sensitive teeth such as Sensodyne. Colgate Sensitive or Crest,… The doctor will advise the appropriate toothpaste based on each person’s oral condition.
4. Oral care
To minimize the pain that occurs when wearing braces, customers should pay attention to proper oral care:
4.1. Proper oral hygiene
– Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush or interdental brush to remove plaque on the tooth surface, especially at the braces.
– Use moderate brushing force to avoid damaging the enamel and gums.
– Use a toothbrush that contains a lot of fluoride to help strengthen teeth.
– Combine the use of dental floss or water floss to ensure complete removal of food debris in the teeth and bracket grooves.
4.2. Reasonable diet
– Limit foods containing a lot of acid and sugar such as soft drinks, sour fruits, alcohol, carbonated water, etc.
– Avoid eating foods that are too hot or too cold, causing tooth irritation.
– Supplement vitamins and fiber from natural ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, milk, etc. to ensure overall health.
4.3. Regular check-ups
Customers should pay attention to regular dental check-ups as advised by the doctor to have the archwire and bracket system examined and checked. At the same time, the doctor will monitor and promptly correct any unwanted problems, avoiding serious complications later.
So, braces are very sensitive for the first few days, which is a completely normal condition and customers do not need to worry too much. However, if this condition persists without signs of improvement after many days, it is very possible that the enamel has been accidentally damaged during the treatment process, at this time the customer should see a doctor for immediate treatment.
