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Relieving Common Discomforts Caused by Wearing Braces

If you or your child has recently had braces applied, you might be discovering that braces can have some uncomfortable side effects, such as sores or ulcers on the lips and tongue, pain in the teeth, jaw or neck, headaches and more.

If you’re dealing with discomfort following the application or adjustment of your braces, maybe some of these tips will help you.

The brackets of your braces can be rough, especially at first, before your mouth has adjusted. These rough edges can affect your cheeks, lips and tongue, leaving painful sores or ulcers. Some bands can have extra prongs for rubber bands or orthodontic attachments. Fortunately, specialized wax for braces is available through your orthodontist or in some drug stores. Take a small ball of wax, about the size of a large pea, and apply it to a dry bracket. The wax will stick and provide a smooth barrier between the soft tissues of your mouth and the rough bracket.

Sometimes patients experience pain in the jaw that can spread to the neck. This tension can be caused by being in the dental chair with an open mouth for extended periods of time. Stretching gently after application or adjustment can relieve this muscle tension.

Pain in the teeth is extremely common in braces patients. As the teeth move, they can be sore, especially in the first three days following application or adjustment. You can help relieve this pain utilizing ibuprofen or other over-the-counter analgesics with anti-inflammatory properties. Headaches and muscle pains can also be addressed with ibuprofen.

If you are experiencing discomfort following braces application or adjustment, talk to your orthodontist. Learn about these and all the other ways that are recommended to address your comfort issues.

Orthodontist in Sherman Oaks CA

Halloween Orthodontic Tips

The spookiest night of the year is drawing close, and your little ghouls and goblins will be heading out to scare the neighbors and score some treats. You probably already know most of the safety rules when it comes to trick-or-treating, such as carrying a flashlight and wearing light-colored or reflective costumes. Another big one is inspecting the treats before your kids dig in, to make sure all the candy is safe. However, have you thought about looking at the candy for the purpose of making sure it’s acceptable for your child’s braces-clad teeth?

Your child’s orthodontist probably warned you to steer clear of certain foods that are known to commonly break or bend braces. Some of these items are pretty easy to avoid most of the time, but a jack-o-lantern full of candy can be very tempting. Many of the popular treats that your child may collect when trick-or-treating fit the guidelines of being hazardous to teeth undergoing orthodontic treatment. Here are some items to avoid:

  • All hard candies
  • All chewy candies
  • Nuts
  • Licorice
  • Caramel
  • Taffy
  • Jelly beans
  • Bubblegum
  • Popcorn
  • Hard pretzels
  • Caramel and candy apples

This may seem like a list that will take all the fun out of Halloween, but there are still many treats that your child can enjoy. Some braces-friendly examples are plain chocolate candy, peanut butter cups, sliced apples, and soft cookies and cupcakes. Just remember to look for treats that aren’t sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy. Also, most parents tend to give their children a free pass about indulging in sweets on Halloween, but don’t forget your regular brushing and flossing routine. Maintaining healthy teeth will help you have a hauntingly good time on Halloween, and throughout the year!

Contact our Sherman Oaks orthodontist office to schedule your appointment.