Life with Braces in Longview, WA

It is important for your child to know how to properly brush and floss with braces, as well as how to troubleshoot discomfort and irritation. Some mild pain is expected after braces are initially placed and after adjustment appointments, but severe pain or damaged braces components should prompt a visit to our Longview office.

DID YOU KNOW?

While wearing braces, you need to brush your teeth after every meal and snack. Here’s a tip: keep a small on-the-go bag with a toothbrush, mini toothpaste, mini mouthwash, floss, and an interdental flosser in the car or your bag.

Care and Cleaning of Braces

It is important to properly care for and clean your mouth while wearing braces. The team at Harbor Kid’s Dental & Orthodontics has put together these handy guides for you.

Brushing Your Child’s Teeth and Braces

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage your braces and gums.
2. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to deter cavities.
3. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle while brushing. This will help you reach all the surfaces of your teeth, including the areas under the brackets and wires.
4. Brush in small, circular motions. Be sure to brush the front, back, and chewing surfaces of all teeth.
5. Pay special attention to the areas around the brackets and wires. These areas are more likely to harbor plaque and food particles.

Flossing with Braces

It can be difficult to floss around braces. Our office recommends using a floss threader, which is a thin, plastic tool that helps you to thread the floss under the wire of your braces.

1. Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long.
2. Thread the floss through the eye of the floss threader.
3. Insert the point of the floss threader under the wire of your braces.
4. Gently pull the floss threader through the wire until the floss is on the other side.
5. Hold the floss taut between your index fingers.
6. Gently move the floss up and down, scraping it against the sides of your teeth.
7. Be sure to floss between all your teeth, including the back teeth.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 for each tooth.

 Cleaning Teeth Between Meals

It is important to clean teeth between means using an interdental brush. An interdental brush is a small, toothbrush-like tool that cleans between teeth.

1. Hold the interdental brush at a 45-degree angle.
2. Gently insert the brush between your teeth.
3. Move the brush back and forth in a sweeping motion.
4. Be sure to clean all sides of the tooth.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for each tooth.

How to Address Pain and Irritation from Braces

If your child is experiencing pain with their braces, these helpful instructions can help. Mild pain is expected after braces are initially placed and after adjustments, but if your child is experiencing severe pain, you should contact our office.

• Over-the-Counter Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to treat mild aches and help alleviate any post-adjustment sensitivity.
• Ice Packs: Swelling of the gums can contribute to braces-related pain. Applying ice directly to the swollen area or using an ice pack on the exterior of your child’s face can reduce inflammation and pain.
• Oral Anesthetics: Oral anesthetics such as Orajel can be applied to gums and teeth to initiate a numbing sensation that eases discomfort as your child’s teeth adjust to wearing braces.
• Eat Soft Foods: Choosing soft foods can help minimize discomfort after an adjustment. Remember to avoid very hard foods like popcorn and hard candies that could potentially damage braces and cause discomfort.
• Orthodontic Wax: Your child may experience sores or scrapes from the brackets and wires rubbing against their gums and tongue. To alleviate this discomfort, apply orthodontic wax to the affected areas. The wax creates a protective layer, preventing irritation and related discomfort.
• Warm Saltwater Rinse: Mix a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and use it to rinse your child’s mouth. This solution helps soothe pain, cleanse sores, and prevent infection and swelling.
• Warm Heat Packs: Applying heat can reduce swelling and alleviate braces-related discomfort. You can use a warm washcloth or a heating pad on a low setting and gently place it over the hurting area for relief.
• Gum Massage: Massaging the gums can help reduce swelling and provide relief. Using clean fingers, gently massage the inflamed areas to alleviate discomfort and promote a more comfortable feeling.
• Maintain Good Dental Hygiene: Practicing good dental hygiene is crucial for minimizing pain and promoting good oral health while wearing braces. Be sure to regularly brush, floss, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent food and plaque buildup around brackets. A diligent hygiene routine reduces the risk of gum inflammation and infection, and related pain.

Remember, these techniques can help alleviate discomfort, but if your child experiences persistent or severe pain, it’s important to consult Harbor Kid’s Dental & Orthodontics for further guidance and support.

Your Child’s Life with Braces

Life with braces doesn’t have to be scary, and with proper care of their teeth while wearing braces, your kiddo can have a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Contact our dentist in Longview today to schedule a Free Orthodontic Consultation.