How to help braces pain?

Hey, don't stress too much, this soreness usually lasts just 3 to 4 days after you get them tightened! Use the dental wax your orthodontist gave you on the brackets that poke your cheeks. It will save you from getting those painful mouth ulcers, trust me.

Don't worry, your mouth is just adapting to the new pressure on your teeth. Do a warm salt water rinse a couple of times today to soothe the gums. If the wire is poking or scratching you badly, call your doctor to get it snipped—don't try to bend it yourself.

I just got my wires changed yesterday and my teeth hurt so much that I can't even chew soft bread. Is this level of constant throbbing normal, or should I call my dentist to loosen them a bit? How do you guys manage to eat anything?

Avoid biting into hard things like apples or rotis directly; cut everything into small, bite-sized pieces first. If the pain is too much to sleep, you can ask your dentist to prescribe a mild painkiller. It gets much easier after the first few weeks, just hang in there.