So, Your Child Just Got Braces. Here’s What You Need to Know:

Getting braces can be an exciting and stressful time for your child or teenager. On one hand they’re excited about the perfect smile that lies ahead, and on the other, they’re nervous about the little aches and pains that go along with braces.  We’re here to bring you some tips from Oral B for how you can manage your child’s pain during that first week.

The first day or two with new braces will be the most uncomfortable, so be sure to prepare soft foods for your child. Sticking to things like soup, yogurt, applesauce, and mac and cheese will be best. These soft foods will make your child want to eat because these foods won’t bring any unnecessary pain that the first 48 hours of braces can bring.

Getting used to braces can be tough. I mean think about it, your mouth isn’t used to having something on your teeth. Because of this, your child’s mouth can get sores. To alleviate this pain, utilize the orthodontic wax your dentist or orthodontist gives to your child. Simply place this wax over the bracket that’s rubbing on that part of the mouth. This will help the sore heal. In the meantime, make sure your child doesn’t touch the sore.

If your child does have mouth sores from the braces, you should avoid giving your child acidic foods and drinks. Lemon juices, orange juices, pickles, tomato sauces, and any other highly acidic food and drinks will only cause irritation to your child’s mouth sores.

If your child’s lips and gums get sores, don’t fret because this is normal. This happens because your child’s mouth and lips have to get used to having brackets on them. To alleviate this irritation, mix ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water. You can do this several times per day to reduce your child’s mouth sore pain.

You also need to make sure you have ibuprofen or any other over-the-counter pain relievers on hand. This will reduce your child’s mouth pain and give them relief.

Our last tip for you is just to remember that your child’s braces pain is only temporary. After about a month, your child won’t even realize that they’re wearing braces anymore. If you follow these simple tips, you can help your child alleviate some of the aches and pains new braces can cause.