Tips From a Kids Orthodontist on Managing Braces Pain

Braces can help transform a child's misaligned teeth. However, it can be challenging to navigate the discomfort that comes through them. A kids orthodontist can help you manage your child's braces pain with a combination of practical strategies and patience. With the right approach, children can comfortably adapt to their orthodontic treatment and maintain a healthy smile throughout the process.

What causes braces pain

Braces pain often occurs due to the pressure that moves the teeth into their desired alignment. This consistent and gradual pressure can cause the teeth and gums to feel tender, particularly in the first few days after braces are placed or adjusted. The brackets and wires may also rub against the soft tissues inside the mouth, such as the lips, cheeks, and tongue. This discomfort can vary from person to person, but it is typically a dull ache rather than a sharp pain.

Additionally, there are situations when a bracket or wire may break. In these cases, the broken pieces can poke or rub against the soft tissues in the child's mouth, leading to irritation and small sores.

How to reduce discomfort from braces

Eat easy-to-chew foods

After an orthodontic appointment, the child's teeth may feel more sensitive. The kids orthodontist frequently recommends eating soft, easy-to-chew foods to reduce additional pressure on sore teeth. These foods may include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Smoothies
• Pasta

These foods can provide the child with nourishment without increasing the discomfort from their braces. Additionally, parents should help them avoid crunchy or sticky foods during this adjustment period to prevent unnecessary pain and protect the braces from potential damage.

Use orthodontic wax

Orthodontic wax can help prevent irritation from brackets and wires. When applied over the parts of the braces that rub against the cheeks or lips, the wax forms a smooth barrier that protects the soft tissues. A kids orthodontist can demonstrate how to apply the wax effectively so it stays in place throughout the day. Replacing the wax as needed, especially after eating or brushing, provides continued relief from soft tissue irritation.

Apply cold therapy techniques

Cold therapy can significantly reduce swelling and numb pain in the teeth and gums. The child can hold an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth or towel against their cheek for short intervals to ease discomfort. Additionally, consuming cold snacks like ice cream, frozen yogurt, or chilled applesauce may provide soothing relief inside the mouth while reducing stress on the brackets and wires. Alternating cold therapy with other methods, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, to achieve the most effective pain management.

Give the child over-the-counter pain medication

When discomfort becomes more intense, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, taken according to the recommended dosage, can ease soreness in the teeth and jaws. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or the kids orthodontist before giving any medication to a child to ensure safety and proper dosage.

Maintain oral hygiene and preventing additional irritation

Proper oral hygiene can help prevent plaque buildup and gum inflammation, which can exacerbate the pain associated with braces. The kids orthodontist will show the child how to brush their teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, interdental brushes or floss threaders can help clean around brackets and wires where debris tends to accumulate. Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can further protect against bacteria and soothe irritated gums.

Avoid chewing on non-food objects

Chewing on pencils, fingernails, or other non-food objects can place unnecessary stress on the braces and increase discomfort. Parents can help their children avoid these harmful habits to help reduce pain and prevent damage to the orthodontic appliance. The kids orthodontist can also guide parents on the most effective strategies to break these habits and encourage safer alternatives.

Stay hydrated

Dry mouth can worsen soft tissue irritation from braces. Drinking water throughout the day helps keep the mouth moist and washes away food particles that can accumulate along and beneath the brackets and wires, potentially causing additional discomfort. Sipping cool water can also provide mild numbing benefits similar to those of cold therapy.

Communicate concerns with the orthodontic team

While most pain from braces is mild, children and their parents should never ignore persistent or severe discomfort. If discomfort does not improve after a few days or worsens, parents should contact the child's orthodontist as soon as possible. Sometimes, adjustments to wires or brackets may be necessary to alleviate pressure points or resolve underlying issues with the children's gums or teeth.

Get more tips from our kids orthodontist

With these tips, you can help your child manage their braces pain and make the orthodontic process a smoother and more positive overall experience. Would you like more tips and tricks? Call our Phoenix office to talk to our kids orthodontist or to schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://nettsmiles.com or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (623) 516-2800 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.

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