If you're about to get braces, you've probably been warned that you're going to experience some pain and discomfort. That's true. However, there are some simple ways to help reduce the pain and make your braces more comfortable to wear. Here are four things you can do to alleviate the pain and make your braces more comfortable.

Eat Ice Cream

During the first few days with your braces, your mouth is going to be sore and your gums are going to swell. To help relieve the swelling, try to eat ice cream. Ice cream will help in a couple of ways. First, you may want to be on a soft-food diet for the first few days to avoid painful chewing. Second, cold helps reduce swelling. Take small bites of the ice cream at first. This will help you get used to the cold temperatures on your braces.

Switch to Soup

In addition to cold, you'll also need to apply some heat to your braces. Heat increases your circulation, which gets more blood to your gums. The increased blood flow will reduce the pain you're experiencing. It will also help reduce the swelling. Reach for a bowl of hot soup or warm milk a couple of times a day for the first few days after you get your braces.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Wax

Your orthodontist will provide you with orthodontic wax. This wax is designed to cover the brackets and wires on your teeth so that they don't stick to your lips and mouth. Be sure to apply a fresh coat of wax to your braces several times a day. If you feel your braces scratching against your lips when you open your mouth, it's time to apply more wax.

Swish With Salt Water

If you do get sores in your mouth from your braces, it's important that you keep them clean. Swish with salt water at least three times a day. The salt water will keep your mouth clean and help the sores heal faster.

Wear a Mouth Guard

Sleep can be particularly uncomfortable while you're getting used to your braces, especially if you grind your teeth at night. Ask your orthodontist about a mouth guard. The mouth guard will keep your braces from scraping against your lips while you sleep. The guard will also prevent you from grinding your teeth.

Use the tips provided here to help reduce the discomfort you're going to experience during the first few days after you get your braces on. Be sure to follow your orthodontists instructions, as well.