Don’t let the pain of braces bother your child.

Braces are a rite of passage for many young people, part of their journey to a healthy and aligned smile. That’s not to say that getting braces doesn’t come with an adjustment period. It can be difficult to get used to wearing braces, and sometimes, there can be slight braces pain and irritation for those who are wearing them. There are times where the brackets or wires can rub against the inside of the mouth and cause irritation.

But there are ways that you can help your child eliminate the pain that can be associated with wearing braces. The team at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry has some tips to help children deal with the pain of wearing braces.

Orthodontic Wax

Once your child has orthodontic braces placed on their teeth, one of the things their dentist will give them is orthodontic wax. This is soft wax that can be placed over any brackets or wires that are causing irritation. 

To use orthodontic wax, take a pea-sized amount, roll it into a ball between your fingers to soften the wax, then place it over the bracket or wire that is causing irritation. The wax can stay over the orthodontic equipment until your child goes back to the orthodontist for their checkup. If there is a very sharp edge that is causing major irritation, make an appointment to see your orthodontist so the braces can be adjusted.

Salt Water Rinses

If your child is experiencing any inflammation or soreness in their mouth, a salt water rinse can help reduce the inflammation. To make the solution, mix about a half teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water until the salt dissolves. Swish the solution back and forth for about 30 seconds, focusing on the areas that are causing the most irritation. Spit the rinse out afterwards. 

A salt water rinse helps with tooth pain and irritation because the mixture helps to balance the pH in the mouth, making it more alkaline, whereas bacteria is more acidic, which can cause irritation. A salt water rinse is safe enough to do two to three times a day to help with mouth irritation.

If you are looking for a mouthwash to use, there are types that focus more on pain relief rather than teeth strengthening. Most mouthwashes are fluoride based, which is a mineral that helps to fortify enamel on teeth. However, there are specially made analgesic mouthwashes for people who wear braces that are designed to focus on relieving pain. Ask Dr. Mo or the team at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry for their recommendations.

Soft Foods

There is an adjustment period when your child gets braces, and one way to help ease the pain is by eating soft foods during this time. Soft foods, like low-fat yogurt and cheese, can help ease the pain when chewing for braces wearers.

While soft foods are recommended for those who have just gotten their braces adjusted, there are foods that should always be avoided by people with braces because they can damage the brackets or wires. Those foods include anything that is hard, crunchy, or sticky, like gum, caramel, pretzel rods, and biscotti.

Over-the-counter Pain Relief

If your child is experiencing pain from their braces, especially after the braces have just been installed or adjusted, some over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help your child feel some relief. Before giving your child any over-the-counter pain medication, make sure to read the label on the product to get the correct dosage recommendation. 

Some medications aren’t recommended for those under 12, so make sure the pain relief is suitable for younger people. Be sure to follow the guidelines printed on the medication so your child isn’t getting too much or too little medication. If you have questions, you can always consult a pharmacist at the store for their advice.

Cold Compresses

If your child is experiencing some swelling after they get their braces, a cold compress can be used to help reduce the swelling. Wrap a cold compress in a towel, and rest that against the area that is causing your child pain. Only leave the compress on for about 15 minutes at a time so as to not cause other issues, like numbness.

The Braces Pain Won’t Last Forever

It’s important to remind your child that the pain they experience with braces is only temporary. By using the techniques listed in this article, your child can find some relief. If your child is experiencing consistent pain, give Dr. Mo a call to discuss the next steps that you can take to help your child relieve their pain from their braces.