Assessment of Pain, Diet and Analgesic Use in Orthodontic Patients

Background: Orthodontic treatment often causes varying levels of pain, particularly following appliance placement and adjustments. Objectives: To assess the intensity and progression of orthodontic pain, examine dietary modifications in response to discomfort, and evaluate the patterns and sources of analgesic use among orthodontic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 92 patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Pain levels were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 hours, three days, and seven days post-adjustment. A structured questionnaire assessed dietary changes and analgesic usage. Results: Pain was highest at 24 hours (mean VAS: 6.8 ± 1.4), decreased at three days (4.3 ± 1.2), and was minimal by day 7 (2.1 ± 0.9). Dietary modifications were reported by 88% of participants, with common food avoidances, including hard fruits, meats, and sticky snacks. The mean duration of dietary change was 4.7 ± 1.9 days. Analgesic use was reported by 73.9% of patients, mainly involving paracetamol and ibuprofen. Conclusion: It is concluded that pain following orthodontic treatment significantly influences patient behavior, particularly dietary choices and medication use. Proactive pain management and patient education are essential to ensure comfort, compliance, and nutritional well-being throughout treatment.