Never take more than the recommended dose. Overuse of ibuprofen and aspirin can damage your stomach lining and cause severe pain and bleeding ulcers. The liquid versions of these medications will be easier on your teeth than the chewable pills.
If you don’t have an ice pack, use a bag of frozen peas. Wrap the bag in a paper or cloth towel and gently press it on your cheek for up to 15 minutes. You can do this two or three times a day.
Drink plenty of water, but avoid soft drinks because these have a high percentage of sugar and acid.
Apply clove oil directly to swollen gums on the end of a Q-Tip. Mix a few drops of clove oil in water, and swish it your mouth for a minute or two.
Your teeth are already under constant tension from the braces, which causes inflammation. Don’t create put any extra pressure on them by chewing gum.
Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth every 2 to 3 hours the first day, then 3 to 4 times a day until your mouth heals.
Stock up on yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, rice, smoothies, and pudding. Look on the bright side: you have a great excuse for polishing off that big tub of chocolate ice cream in the freezer.
You can find mouth guards at most sporting goods stores. Your orthodontist’s office may also carry mouth guards for this purpose.
Press a clean toothbrush against the swollen areas of your gum for about half an hour. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, press lightly on the affected areas with your finger or use a gum stimulator.
