Many preteens and teenagers undergo orthodontic treatment with braces to straighten their teeth and correct bite issues. While braces provide long-term dental health benefits, they can cause considerable discomfort especially in the first few days after tightening appointments. This leads many braces wearers to seek out ways to relieve braces pain between orthodontic adjustments. One popular solution is enjoying cold treats like ice cream or popsicles, which provide a numbing effect on sore teeth and jaws. But does chilling the mouth with icy desserts actually stop or reduce braces pain? Here is a look at the evidence behind using ice cream as braces relief.
Ice Cream Effects on Braces Discomfort
The cold temperature of ice cream, gelato, and other frozen dairy treats constricts blood vessels and numbs nerve endings in the teeth and gums. This provides temporary pain relief by dulling nerve sensation in the area. The thickness of ice cream also prevents sore brackets and wires from being aggravated by contact with food particles. So enjoying a bowl of ice cream after a tightening can soothe braces discomfort and provide a soothing treat that won’t get stuck in the appliances.
However, the pain relief from ice cream is only temporary. As soon as the frozen dessert melts away, blood circulation returns to normal, nerve endings regain sensation, and any underlying inflammation and orthodontic adjustment pain comes back. While ice cream may provide 30 minutes to an hour of relief, it does not treat the source of braces discomfort.
Pros of Ice Cream for Braces Pain
Here are some potential benefits of using ice cream to soothe braces pain:
– Provides short-term numbness and pain relief
– Thick, smooth texture won’t irritate adjusted wires
– Cold treat is enjoyable for kids and teens to eat
– Easy to find and prepare at home
– Helps braces wearers feel like they are actively alleviating discomfort
– Soft consistency is gentle on tender teeth and gums
Cons of Ice Cream for Braces Pain
Some drawbacks of relying on ice cream for braces relief include:
– Only offers temporary numbness, not resolving inflammation
– Sugar can increase risk of cavities around bracket edges
– Requires frequent reapplication as numbing effect fades quickly
– Eating too much ice cream can cause brain freeze discomfort
– Cold temperature sensitivity worsens nerve and tooth pain for some
– Excess ice cream calories can lead to unwanted weight gain
More Effective Braces Pain Relief Options
While ice cream may temporarily take the edge off braces pain, there are safer and longer-lasting ways to alleviate oral discomfort from orthodontic adjustments. Here are some other evidence-based options:
– Over-the-counter oral pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
– Orthodontic wax to pad brackets irritating the cheeks
– Salt water rinses to soothe inflammation and loosen food debris
– Soft foods diet after tightening appointments
– Cold packs applied to outside of jaw and cheeks
– Prescription dental pain medication from orthodontist
– Orthodontic relief wax like Gishy Goo to coat brackets
– Massaging sore jaw muscles with light pressure
How Long Does Braces Pain Last?
Braces pain typically peaks in severity 12-24 hours after an adjustment or tightening appointment. Soreness then gradually subsides over 3-7 days as the teeth settle into their new positions. Using ice cream may provide very short term relief during the worst of this post-adjustment discomfort. But opting for over-the-counter pain medication and orthodontic wax will likely provide more sustained relief until the braces pain resolves on its own.
Tips for Managing Braces Discomfort
Here are some evidence-based tips for effectively managing common braces pain:
– Take OTC pain relievers as directed by orthodontist
– Use orthodontic wax on irritating brackets
– Rinse mouth with warm salt water after meals
– Stick to soft foods for a few days after tightening
– Avoid very hot and cold foods that aggravate pain
– Apply cold packs to sore jaw muscles
– Distract yourself with movies, games, music
– Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent gum irritation
– Sleep on your back to reduce pressure on teeth
– Schedule adjustment appointments for Fridays to limit school discomfort
Foods to Eat with New Braces
When braces are first put on or after an adjustment, stick to foods that won’t get stuck or further irritate your mouth. Recommended foods include:
– Yogurt
– Applesauce
– Creamy soups
– Mashed potatoes
– Protein shakes
– Overcooked pasta
– Scrambled eggs
– Oatmeal
– Ice cream
Avoid foods that are crunchy, sticky, hard, or chewy which can bend wires or break brackets. Slowly reintroduce firmer foods as your mouth adjusts to the braces over the first week.
Conclusion
While ice cream and other frozen treats can temporarily reduce braces pain due to their numbing effect, they do not provide lasting relief or address the underlying inflammation causing discomfort. There are safer, more effective options for managing braces pain, like over-the-counter pain medication, orthodontic wax, salt water rinses, soft foods, and cold packs. While an occasional bowl of ice cream is fine, rely on other solutions to actually resolve braces discomfort until your teeth fully adjust to the new wires and pressure. Focus on maintaining good oral hygiene and follow your orthodontist’s recommendations for relief between appointments. With some patience and TLC for your teeth, the pain from your new braces or recent adjustment will subside within a few days.
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