When a beautiful, straight smile is the goal for your child, braces are often the go-to solution. However, braces for kids aren’t always comfortable. And it may be a matter of time before your little one comes to you and says, “My braces hurt.”

Nevertheless, aches and soreness are common after having your kid’s braces placed or adjusted. And, as their parent, you play a vital role in helping your child deal with their discomfort. Understanding how to treat your child’s braces pain allows you to empower them to get relief and experience the benefits that braces provide.

Identifying Common Discomfort Issues

When your child tells you that they are experiencing braces pain, there are usually two main sources of their distress.

Normal Adjustment Period

The brackets, wires, and rubber bands involved with setting kids’ braces all put pressure on teeth, which is what causes them to begin shifting into their new positions. Alongside that, the tightening of the braces often irritates the tissues in the mouth.

As such, most pain that a child will experience with braces can be traced back to the additional pressure needed to move their teeth. A pediatric dentist in Vancouver, WA, will explain that this sort of aching during the initial adjustment period is to be expected.

Discomfort in your child’s teeth and gums will develop within a few hours of their procedure. The good news for them is that mouths are resilient, and theirs will adapt to the changes and recover in just a few days.

During follow-up visits, your child’s dentist will check the pressure from the braces and may make the wires tighter to add more tension. That could also lead to some discomfort for a few days, but it won’t be nearly as strong as when the braces were first put on.

Sharp Wires or Brackets

Sometimes, your child’s braces pain might arise when sharp wires and brackets touch their cheeks and lips. It’s not uncommon for wires to stick out and poke the tissues in their mouth, but you may need to take them to their dentist to have the problem addressed if the pain worsens.

Quick Solutions for Comfort When Braces Hurt

The best way to learn how to relieve your child’s braces pain is to schedule an appointment with our dental office in Vancouver, WA. However, there are a few DIY solutions you can try beforehand.

Orthodontic Wax Application

When your child’s braces are fitted, you’ll receive a new patient supplies kit, which will most likely contain a small box of orthodontic wax.

Take a small piece of the material and roll it into a pea-sized ball. Then, gently press it over the area of the braces that are bothering your child. The wax will create a smooth texture that reduces the irritation until their next appointment.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers are often the best solution for short-term relief. However, it’s crucial to check with the treating dentist and provide age-appropriate options for your child. Use caution and administer the correct dose to avoid any adverse reactions.

Hygiene and Oral Care

The ways in which your child cares for their teeth and braces will also affect how much discomfort they experience. Food will get stuck on the brackets and under the wires, so you must ensure they are cleaned thoroughly. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash help remove all leftover food particles, minimizing the risk of pain.

Guide your child through brushing, telling them to carefully clean around the wires and brackets as they move from top to bottom throughout their mouth. Brushing for two minutes twice daily ensures they’ll cover every surface in their mouth.

As for flossing, they should use approximately 18 inches of waxed floss (normal floss can catch on the braces), carefully threading it under the wire before passing it between their teeth. Flossing once daily will help remove food particles trapped between their teeth and prevent general tooth pain as well.

When to Consult the Dentist

Not all tooth pain while wearing braces is normal. If it becomes persistent or causes severe discomfort for your child, it’s best to schedule an appointment. Contact your child’s treating dentist if they experience sharp pain, inflamed gums, or notice bleeding around their braces.

Discomfort won’t last forever.

It’s hard to watch your child feel uncomfortable, but it’s good to know that it won’t last forever. Their mouths will get used to the brackets and wires. In the meantime, remember to use orthodontic wax. If you ever run out, you can easily find more at drugstores that carry oral care products.

If your pediatric dentist says it’s okay, you can use non-prescription pain relievers. Just ensure you follow the instructions based on your child’s age. Alongside that, work with your child to help them keep a good oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing to help prevent discomfort and tooth decay.

Get support from a pediatric dentist in Vancouver, WA.

If you have questions about pediatric orthodontic treatment, contact Must Love Kids, the premier family dental office in Vancouver, WA. We’ll schedule an appointment that is convenient for you to discuss your child’s treatment options.