Help Your Teen Adjust to Their New Braces With Top Orthodontist in Sherwood, OR

6 Ways to Alleviate Braces Pain and Discomfort for Your Teen

Sherwood, United States - October 20, 2023 / Senestraro Orthodontics - Sherwood, OR /

If your teen is ready to start orthodontic treatment, now's the time to plan for pain relief. Braces can cause pain and discomfort, especially during the first few days of treatment. One reason for discomfort is that your teeth aren't used to the pressure. Inflammation can also cause pain and discomfort when your teen starts wearing braces. Luckily, there are steps you can take to help your teen alleviate the pain. Read the information provided below. You'll find six effective ways for your teen to get relief from braces, pain, and discomfort.

Continue With Daily Oral Hygiene

Traditional bracketed braces can make it difficult to keep up on dental hygiene. Unfortunately, improper dental hygiene can increase the risk of pain and discomfort when your teen is wearing braces. Food and debris can get stuck between the brackets. When that happens, your teens' gums can get irritated and inflamed. One way to reduce that risk is to have your teen maintain their daily dental hygiene routine. That should include brushing and flossing their teeth at least twice a day.

Keep Pain Relievers on Hand

If your teen is scheduled to get their braces fitted, be sure to stock up on pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain medications can help your teen alleviate the discomfort while they get used to their new braces. In addition to the over-the-counter pain relievers, it's also a good idea to keep oral anesthetics on hand. Oral anesthetics provide instant relief from the pain associated with your teen's braces fitting. Oral anesthetics can also provide relief whenever your teen's braces get adjusted.

Start Off With Soft Foods

Once your teen goes in for their braces fitting, they'll need to stick to soft food for the first few days. Hard food can irritate your teen's mouth, teeth, and gums, especially right after they get their new braces. Soft foods allow your teen to get their nourishment without causing pain or inflammation. Some soft foods that will help your teen include soup, yogurt, and ice cream. Ice cream will also help soothe swelling and inflammation.

Apply Orthodontic Wax

When your teen gets their braces fitted, the orthodontist in Sherwood, OR, will provide them with orthodontic wax. Orthodontic wax helps reduce friction caused by the metal brackets. The wax also helps prevent sores caused by sharp edges and pointed wires. Your teen should apply orthodontic wax as often as needed.

Stock up on Ice Packs

Ice can also help soothe the pain when your teen gets their braces fitted. Before your teen goes in for their fitting, you should stock the freezer with ice packs. You can buy ice packs for your teen, or you can fill resealable plastic bags with ice. Have your teen apply the ice packs several times a day to soothe the pain and reduce the inflammation.

Use a Water Flosser

Now that your teen is going to have braces, change the way they floss their teeth. Ordinary dental floss can get stuck on the metal brackets. Plus, ordinary dental floss won't get your teen's teeth as clean as they should be, which can increase pain and inflammation. To reduce those problems, invest in a water flosser for your teeth. A water flosser will remove the bacteria that can cause pain and inflammation.

Schedule Your Teens First Appointment Today

If your teen is ready for orthodontic treatment, contact us today at Senestraro Orthodontics. Our friendly staff is here to take care of your teen's orthodontic needs and teeth straightening treatments in Sherwood, OR.

Contact Information:

Senestraro Orthodontics - Sherwood, OR

17457 SW Parkway Ct Suite 155
Sherwood, OR 97140
United States

Contact Senestraro Orthodontics - Sherwood, OR
(503) 925-8899
https://sherwood.senestrarofamilyortho.com/