Dealing with Braces Pain: How to Comfort Your Child
Your child has braces, and now they’re complaining every time they eat. What can you do to help?
When your child first gets braces, it is completely normal for them to feel some discomfort. Teeth are beginning to move, soft tissues in the mouth are adjusting to the change and it can feel very overwhelming. Despite knowing that this is expected, as a parent, you naturally want to make the process as comfortable as possible for them.
In this guide, we will look at why braces cause soreness, practical ways you can help your child manage the adjustment, when it’s time to call the orthodontist and how to help your child keep a positive mindset throughout treatment.
Why Do Braces Cause Discomfort?
Braces work by gently moving teeth into better positions over time. This pressure, while essential for a healthy smile, can sometimes make teeth and gums sore. It is very dependent on what braces you have fitted as to what sort of discomfort your child may experience.
Common reasons for discomfort
- Pressure from teeth shifting into new positions
- Rubbing of brackets or wires against soft tissue
- Temporary irritation leading to small ulcers
- Tightening or adjusting appointments that increase movement
The good news is that discomfort is temporary and usually improves after the first few days. The majority of your treatment should be entirely pain-free.
Practical Comfort Tips for Parents and Children
The first few days with braces are often the most challenging part of a child’s orthodontic journey as they adjust to the unfamiliar feeling of having something new in their mouth. While some discomfort is unavoidable, there are many simple steps you can take at home to help reduce the soreness and make the experience more manageable.
Creating a calm, supportive environment and offering practical solutions can make a big difference in how your child copes. From adjusting their diet to using soothing remedies and giving reassurance, these small measures will all help ease discomfort and remind them that it will pass.
Some tried-and-tested tips include:
- Soft diet choices - soups, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yoghurt and smoothies are gentle on sore teeth
- Cold relief - chilled drinks, ice water or an ice pack on the outside of the jaw can reduce inflammation and numb soreness
- Orthodontic wax - place over sharp brackets or wires to stop them rubbing and causing ulcers
- Over-the-counter pain relief - Children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used if appropriate
- Saltwater rinses or antiseptic mouthwash - helps heal ulcers and keeps the mouth clean
- Distraction and reassurance - It is always good to remind your child that it will get better in time and celebrate each milestone as a step closer to a healthier, more confident smile
When to Contact an Orthodontist
Your child’s orthodontist is there to support you not just during appointments, but in-between them too. If your child is experiencing more than mild, temporary discomfort, it is always better to check with your orthodontist just to make sure that everything is as it should be.
Contact your orthodontist if you notice:
- Pain lasting more than 3-4 days after braces are fitted or adjusted
- Loose wires, broken brackets, or parts poking into the gums or cheeks
- Signs of infections such as bleeding, swelling or pus around the gums
Parental Mindset and Encouragement
Supporting your child emotionally is just as important as managing the physical discomfort. Getting braces is a huge change in a child’s life and can be a source of stress and anxiety as well as discomfort as they adjust to the change.
- Validate their feelings and acknowledge that it is a big adjustment.
- Focus on long-term benefits. Remind them this is short-term discomfort for a lifetime of healthier teeth.
- Celebrate milestones. It might be finishing their first week, getting to the halfway point or noticing changes in their smile; every milestone is worth celebrating.
- Attend follow-up appointments and stay in touch with the orthodontist - It is vital that your child attends their follow-up appointments to help with their progress. Regular communication with them also builds reassurance for both you and your child.
Start Your Journey to a Happier Smile Today
Braces are a big step for any child but they also lead to years of confident smiling and healthy teeth and gums. We understand that the short term inconvenience of having braces can be a daunting prospect but the long term benefits are endless.
At Accessible Orthodontics, we specialise in braces for children and pride ourselves in ensuring every single one of our patients receives bespoke treatment that suits them and their situation.
Our highly skilled and trained clinicians use state-of-the-art technology to give the very best results. Contact us today and start your journey to straight, healthy teeth.
