What is what to do when your mouth hurts from braces?

Okay, here's information on dealing with mouth pain from braces, formatted in Markdown with the requested links:

Dealing with Braces Pain

Getting braces can be uncomfortable, especially at first or after adjustments. Here's how to manage the pain:

• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions carefully. See the "Over-the-Counter%20Pain%20Relief" information.

• Orthodontic Wax: Apply orthodontic wax over any brackets or wires that are irritating the inside of your mouth. This creates a smooth barrier and prevents rubbing. Learn about "Orthodontic%20Wax" here.

• Saltwater Rinses: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day. This helps soothe irritated gums and promotes healing. More about "Saltwater%20Rinses".

• Cold Compresses: Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheeks for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and numb the area. See the "Cold%20Compresses" subject.

• Soft Foods: Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies, especially after adjustments. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can irritate your mouth or damage your braces. Learn more about "Soft%20Foods" here.

• Topical Anesthetics: Use an over-the-counter topical anesthetic gel or ointment on sore spots in your mouth. These provide temporary pain relief. More details about "Topical%20Anesthetics".

• Proper Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss carefully, even if your mouth is sore. Good oral hygiene prevents infection and further irritation. See the details about "Proper%20Oral%20Hygiene".

• Check for Poking Wires: If a wire is poking you, try to gently push it back into place with a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser. If you can't fix it yourself, contact your orthodontist. Learn more about "Poking%20Wires".

• Contact Your Orthodontist: If the pain is severe or doesn't improve with home remedies, contact your orthodontist. They can adjust your braces or provide other solutions. Subject details about "Contact%20Your%20Orthodontist".