Managing Your Child’s Orthodontic Pain

Orthodontic treatment can sometimes cause discomfort as the teeth are gently guided into the correct position. This seems to be one of the biggest concerns for people about to undergo orthodontic treatment as “are braces going to hurt,” is probably one of the most common questions an orthodontist hears!

The answer is yes. Your child’s dental braces will likely make his or her teeth sore or uncomfortable. This is due to the changes in blood flow when pressure is applied to the teeth, as well as the inflammatory response of the body. The amount of pain your child experiences during your orthodontic treatment will also depend on stress levels, emotional state, age, and even gender. This is why some people say that braces weren’t a big deal for them and others seem to have had a rough time.

Managing Orthodontic Pain

Because each person responds differently to orthodontic pain, you must be aware of the pain-relief options available to your child. We recommend using over-the-counter pain medication to control the pain of orthodontic treatment. Tylenol and Ibuprofen have both been shown to help reduce the discomfort sometimes caused by braces. In addition, you can provide your child with soft foods to reduce the pressure put on the orthodontic appliances and use dental wax to cover wires or brackets that may be causing pain or harm to the soft tissues of the mouth.

Here at Little Smiles of Delaware, we routinely see patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment! If your child is experiencing pain or discomfort due to braces or other dental issues, please contact Little Smiles of Delaware here in Delaware, Ohio.