Want Pain Relief From Braces for Your Kids?

It’s no secret that braces can be painful and uncomfortable for kids. But they are worth it. So what
can you do as a parent to make the braces treatment bearable for your kids? Fortunately, there are
lots of ways to help your children survive orthodontic treatment successfully. Want pain relief from braces for your kids? Have a look!

Here are the 5 most effective tips to help your kids feel comfortable and find pain relief from braces
during their treatment:

1- Feed Only & Only Soft Foods to Your Child

During their braces treatment, keep hard and crunchy stuff like candies and popcorn away from your
kids. Soft, semi-solid, and liquid foods can be easier to eat when wearing braces. Here are some
examples:-

• Tofu
• Pudding
• Custard
• Ice Cream
• Mashed Potatoes
• Milk/Milkshakes/Smoothies
• Soft-cooked Meat
• Cheese
• Meatloaf
• Apple Sauce

Thankfully, all these items are generally in the good books of kids. Soft foods also help reduce the
risk of food getting stuck in your child’s braces and causing discomfort or pain.

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2- Take Care of the Oral Hygiene of Your Child

Always make sure your child follows a proper oral hygiene routine during the braces treatment.
Brushing and flossing are essential for helping your child keep their teeth and gums healthy while
wearing braces. If your child is having trouble brushing properly, try using a water flosser or a
specially designed toothbrush for braces to make it easier.

3. Try Salt Water Rinse

Another proven way of getting relief from braces pain is salt water rinse. It helps soothe your child’s
mouth and reduce any swelling or discomfort they may be feeling. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt in a
cup of warm water. Have your child swish it around in their mouth for a few minutes, and then spit it
out. You can make them do it 2-3 times a day.

4- Apply Orthodontic Wax When Needed

Often kids face trouble with their braces rubbing against their gums or cheeks. It causes irritation
and pain. Applying orthodontic wax on their braces is an effective remedy to reduce this discomfort.
This wax sticks to the braces and provides a cushion for the inside of the mouth. You can get this wax
OTC, or your orthodontist can prescribe one.

You may also read – How to ensure that your child is growing right?

5. Give Them Over-the-counter Painkillers

If all else fails, you can give your child over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or
acetaminophen to help manage their braces pain. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle.
Also, speak to your child’s dentist or orthodontist before giving them any medication. You should
provide pain medication only when it’s indispensable.

Along with your kids, the treatment duration is challenging for you also as a parent. However,
following these tips can help make the process easier for you and your kids. Remember to be patient
and understanding with your kids as they adjust to their braces and the pain and discomfort that
comes with them.

Talking to your children and making them understand the significance of the braces treatment can
also help. With the proper care and guidance, your child can survive braces pain and have a
successful orthodontic treatment.

Author Bio:
Creating perfect smiles is what Dr. Satish Pai is committed to. An orthodontist by profession, he
believes that a perfect smile is a powerful part of a person’s personality. When he is not working
hard on perfecting his patients’ smiles at Putnam Ortho, he is busy writing engaging articles about
everything related to healthy and perfect smiles. His other passions include golf, yoga and surfing.
Spending time with his family always brings a smile on his face.