Im 13 and in a lot of pain from my braces...?!

Im 13 and in a lot of pain from my braces...?

Im 13 and have recently had braces fitted and they are so painful!
i dont think i'll ever get used to them as they are horrible and there are sharp bits on the back of them that cut my gums and make them bleed.
i have'nt eaten properly for days and i really dont know what to do.
i have to put tissue on the back of the braces where they rub, but i'm scared of swallowing it....
please help.................
thank u very much xx

Hi, I have had these problems myself when i had braces. Firstly, the sharp bits can be solved with a dental wax - something you should have been told about or given by your dentist, they come it little sticks and you rub it on the sharp bits and it coats them so it doesnt catch in your mouth, they eventually blunt. you can buy it at the chemist near where they sell dental floss etc or ask the staff, or alternatively your orthodontist should sell it.

Secondly, pain from your braces usually pain in the gums can be soothed with the same product you use to soothe babys teething, like Bonjella or similar.

Thirdly, the pain doesnt last forever but you will feel a little tender around each adjustment but it doesnt last as long as the initial fitting. For the first week I had mine on I just ate soft foods like mashed potato, soups, stew/casserole if it was really cooked the meat should be soft, even chunky baby foods, maccoroni cheese , salmon or tuna patties.

Word of advice for the future whilst in treatment, no hard lollies, no chewing gum, no corn on the cob unless you cut it off the cob, no apples unless you cut them up. I was even too scared to eat tacos without smashing them up after building them, but you can be brave if you wish.

Lastly, get yourself and interdental brush, to remove stuck things between your braces, they are great cause you can get where your normal toothbrush doesnt get.

Good Luck