Your child can look forward to a lifetime of straight, healthy teeth once they’re done with their braces, but in the meantime they’ll have to deal with some of the challenges that come with traditional orthodontics. On a regular basis, your little one will need to have their braces tightened so that they can continue making the needed adjustments to their teeth. This means that they’ll periodically need to deal with soreness and tenderness in their mouths while they adjust. Fortunately, by following these 5 tips, you can make the process as comfortable as possible for them.
1. Place Dental Wax on Their Braces
It’s common for metal brackets and wires to irritate the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. If there’s any spot that’s bothersome for your child, try covering it with dental wax. (If the problem is there’s a wire that’s too long and is continuously poking your child’s gums, you can cover the tip with wax, but you should also see the dentist so that they can cut off the unneeded portion.)
2. Use a Peroxyl Rinse
Peroxyl rinse is a mild antiseptic based on hydrogen peroxide. It can be used to reduce braces-related pain (as well as other types of irritation such as canker sores) by releasing oxygen and relieving inflammation. Your child can use the rinse up to four times daily or as directed on the bottle.
3. Make Plenty of Soft Foods for Them to Enjoy
When your child’s mouth is still adjusting to recently tightened braces, chewing hard or crunchy foods can be particularly painful. For the next few days after adjustment, plan to serve them soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, and pudding are all good options for when your little one needs to avoid putting too much pressure on their teeth.
4. Give Them Pain Medication
If none of the above remedies seem to help, you might want to give your child Tylenol, ibuprofen, or other over-the-counter pain medications available at any pharmacy or grocery store. Of course, any medication is likely to cause complications if it’s not used as directed, so double-check to make sure your child receives the correct dose.
5. Make an Appointment If Their Discomfort Lasts Too Long
Normally, the pain and sensitivity that comes with tightened braces goes away after a few days. If your child is still complaining that their mouth hurts after a week, contact their dentist right away; their braces might need to be adjusted so that they fit better.
Your child probably won’t enjoy the discomfort that normally comes with traditional braces, but you can help them get through it by following the above tips. Once they’ve completed the treatment, their dazzling new smile will make for a wonderful reward.
About the Author
For seven years and counting, Dr. Dalia Georgy has been practicing dentistry and orthodontics in Glenpool. She’s undergone extensive specialty training in traditional braces (including Gerety Orthodontic Seminars), and she’ll go out of her way to make a same-day appointment for an emergency; you can count on her to provide your child with safe, comfortable orthodontic care. To schedule an appointment at her practice, Glenpool Braces, or to ask about relieving braces-related pain, visit her website or call (918) 201-1414.