What to know before getting braces can be a great investment, but they can also be painful. Pain can be caused by irritation to your mouth. If you are experiencing pain in your mouth from braces, there are a few simple ways to relieve the discomfort.

Using an oral numbing gel can reduce the pain. Oral numbing gel should be used in accordance with the directions on the package. You can apply it on the gums, cheeks or tongue.

Ice is another way to treat pain. Ice can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Cold is soothing, and can provide a numbing effect. When the pain becomes too much to handle, a pain killer can be taken.

Another home remedy is peppermint tea. The peppermint teabag can be held against the sore area. It can help relieve the pain and soreness in the mouth.

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A warm salt water solution can also be helpful. Saltwater can help clean cuts in the mouth and soothe soreness. Swishing with this solution can also help reduce infection.

There are other over-the-counter pain killers that can be effective for treating your braces pain. Some of these include ibuprofen and acetaminophen. While these medications can be very effective in relieving your pain, they can also have side effects. To avoid these, use only the recommended dosage.

Braces are often very painful at first, but they get better over time. Over the course of several days, the soreness should subside. However, if you experience a severe pain, visit your orthodontist as soon as possible. He or she can make a plan to help you relieve your pain.