Ridge View Kids

How can I help my child manage discomfort during orthodontic treatment?

For the first week after braces or clear aligners—or following adjustments—your child may feel soreness. You can ease it by having them swish with salt water (1 teaspoon in a cup of warm water), giving them acetaminophen or another non-aspirin pain reliever, applying a warm washcloth or heating pad, or offering a soothing treat like ice cream while they relax.

What’s the first step when my child complains of unusual pain or a problem?

Start by asking specific questions—Where is the pain? How long has it lasted? Did they use their mouthguard during sports? These details help determine the type of emergency and guide the next steps.

How do I best care for my child if they have a traumatic mouth injury?

If there’s bleeding or a knocked-out permanent tooth, you may need to head to the ER. For a knocked-out tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse it gently, and place it back in the socket, using a clean cloth to hold it in place, then call us immediately. If only soft tissue is injured, once healed, Dr. Black can resume adjustment where treatment left off.

What do I do about poking wires or wire irritations?

Try nudging the wire away with a clean cotton swab or pencil eraser. If needed, cover it with wax or a small piece of cotton. As a last resort, snip it with sterilized clippers. If irritation persists or you can’t resolve it, call us to schedule an appointment.

What should I do if a bracket or band becomes loose?

Contact us right away—Dr. Black may need to refit it. If it happens at night or on weekends, carefully slide the loose bracket off and keep it in a small plastic bag until your appointment.

My child lost a separator—what now?

It's common for separators to fall out during treatment. Just call our office to check if it needs replacement.

What if an elastic hook is poking and causing irritation?

Use a pencil eraser to gently push it back, or place orthodontic wax over the area to smooth it. If irritation continues, reach out to our office.

What should we do if my child’s face gets hit during a sporting event?

Schedule an appointment immediately to ensure their teeth and appliances are intact. If any appliance part broke off, bring it with you. And of course—always wear a sports mouthguard!