How long until I can really brush my teeth again and it not hurt?

[foxpresident24]

I got my braces in less than a week ago and I have discovered that brushing my teeth is hard because if I brush too vigorously it makes my teeth hurt(a dull pain, more like they feel aching/sore). How long do you think it will take until my teeth are not sore and I can brush my teeth like normal again? I am asking because I know the way I'm doing things now I'm not cleaning them good enough and I want to get a rough estimate of how long this will go on. Thanks in advance.

[ZiziOConnor]

The first week is the worst.

If you feel sensitive (sharp pain on a specific tooth) get numbing toothpaste (like Sensodyne) and numbing mouthwash (find something marketed to "sensitive teeth").

If you feel like you've been hit in the face with a baseball bat, take acetaminophen and distract yourself with Netflix.

It'll get better in a few days.

[ItsFreyja]

Hang in there; it gets better! Remember, though, that brushing doesn't have to be "hard" to be effective. Gentle, circular strokes will do the job if you're thorough!

[straightteeth]

It took about 5 days for my teeth to stop hurting the first time I got them on. On average, people get used to the pressure within a week so don't worry, you should be fine in a few days. I had to stop flossing for a few days too, since it caused too much sensitivity but got right back on it when my teeth stopped hurting. Good luck!

[EWUgal15]

It took about 5 days for my teeth to stop hurting the first time I got them on. On average, people get used to the pressure within a week so don't worry, you should be fine in a few days. I had to stop flossing for a few days too, since it caused too much sensitivity but got right back on it when my teeth stopped hurting. Good luck!

This was also my experience, except for the flossing part. I didn't have problems with sensitivity, but I did have issues with my teeth being so tight floss would just shred. So I went a little longer without flossing, but I also tried a handful of different kinds of floss to find the best one.

[MissMaree]

The first week is definitely the worst. I am now 2 weeks in and have been able to brush my teeth without feeling any pressure/pain since day 10 :)

[metalliKa]

I didn't and don't have issues with brushing but I have heard from some that brushing give them that sharp finger nails running down a chalkboard sensation. I suppose some sensitivity do occur since the roots are somewhat exposed from the movement.