You’ve just left the orthodont’s office with your child, who now has a mouthful of shiny new braces. Congratulations! You and your child are embarking on a teeth straightening journey where the rewards far outweigh the time and effort required. 

Getting braces is a significant milestone in a child’s life. It’s a step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile. But what if having braces is new to you both? If you’re new to braces, you might have some concerns. Parents often worry about their child’s comfort and adjustment to braces, which can be a challenging experience. 

Getting used to your new braces requires patience, care, and a touch of creativity, but by implementing the following five tips, you can help your child adjust to braces smoothly, ensuring their comfort, confidence, and beautiful, straight teeth!

Tip 1: How to Deal with Discomfort

It’s natural for your child to experience some discomfort after getting braces. Mild levels of soreness or discomfort can also be associated with adjustments to braces during routine orthodontist appointments. You can help manage pain or discomfort associated with braces in several ways:

• Use orthodontic wax on areas where braces rub against the cheeks or lips
• Over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, following your orthodontist’s recommendations
• Offer cold packs or cold foods like popsicles to help soothe sore gums

It’s also important to teach your child how to identify normal discomfort versus signs of a problem that require a visit to the orthodontist, such as excessive pain, pain with numbness or drooling, or a sharp, poking, or pinching sensation in the mouth or gums.

Tip 2: Make Dietary Adjustments

Adjusting your child’s diet is crucial for the comfort and care of their braces. Foods that are too hard, sticky, or chewy can irritate sensitive teeth and damage brackets and wires, which can lead to pain and discomfort, not to mention potentially extending your child’s treatment time.

• Foods to Avoid: Hard candies, popcorn, nuts, and sticky sweets like gum, toffee, caramel, tootsie rolls, etc.
• Braces-friendly Options: Opt for softer foods, like bananas, oatmeal, steamed vegetables, cottage cheese, yogurt, or even tender meats, like baked fish or chicken. These foods not only prevent damage and pain, but also contribute to your child’s overall health and wellbeing.

Tip 3: Highlight the Importance of Oral Hygiene

Did you know that maintaining good oral hygiene becomes even more critical for pain-free teeth when your child has braces? Brushing regularly but gently helps avoid excess pain when braces are first attached or recently adjusted. Additionally, brackets and wires can trap food particles and plaque. Brushing regularly is essential for removing food and plaque and preventing painful tooth decay and gum disease. To help ensure your child practices effective oral care after getting braces:

• Encourage brushing after every meal with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily using tools designed for braces, like floss threaders or water flossers.
• Consider an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis.

Tip 4: Get Regular Checkups

Follow-up appointments are vital for adjusting braces and monitoring progress. But they’re also an opportunity to address any concerns or questions you or your child might have about any lingering pain or soreness. At your appointments, be sure to inform your orthodontist about any excess or prolonged discomfort. They’ll do a thorough examination and provide solutions for alleviating the pain, so your child can start feeling better. Additionally, regular checkups will ensure that your treatment plan is on track, so be sure to keep all of your follow-up appointments, and promptly reschedule any appointments if you have to cancel. 

Tip 5: Encouragement and Support

Wearing braces can be an emotional rollercoaster for a child. When they’re feeling discomfort, pain, or simply sadness over not being able to eat their favorite sticky candy, your support and encouragement are invaluable in helping them see the big picture and the benefits awaiting them. Celebrate small milestones, listen to their concerns, and remind them of the beautiful smile that’s forming day by day. Recognizing these concerns is the first step toward providing the compassionate support your child needs.

Helping your child adjust to braces is a collaborative effort that involves patience, understanding, and a bit of creativity. By focusing on proper oral hygiene, making dietary adjustments, managing discomfort, keeping up with orthodontic appointments, and providing unwavering support, you’ll make this important phase in your child’s life much smoother. Share your experiences and tips with other parents navigating this journey, and remember, the outcome—a healthy, beautiful smile—is worth every step.

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