Orthodontic Pain

Recommended Tips

Sometimes pain medication alone isn't enough to take away your child's teething discomfort. It's also important to care for new teeth as they erupt. Here are some tips on how to care for your baby's incoming teeth and sore gums:

• Let your child chew on a cold teething ring (liquid-filled for younger children; hard or bumpy rubber once your child's molars come in) or a cold piece of celery or washcloth. This can help to numb some of the pain and at the same time help teeth break through the surface of the gums.
• Avoid rubbing or cutting your child's gums to try and speed up the teething process. This will only cause more discomfort and possibly infection.
• Never tie a teething ring or pacifier around your baby's neck. The chord might get caught and strangle your child.
• If you are using a pacifier when your child begins to teethe, switch to a teething ring. Children can chew the end off the pacifier, which could get stuck in their throat.
• Make sure your baby's teething ring doesn't contain DINP. This additive, found in soft vinyl (PVC) products, poses a potential health risk.
• Avoid soothing your baby by letting him or her suck on a bottle filled with juice or a pacifier dipped in juice or honey, or chew on cookies, especially at bedtime. This can cause tooth decay. If your baby needs a bottle during the night, fill it with water instead.
• Also try to limit the amount of sugar you give your child in general by restricting sugary foods to mealtimes.
• As teeth erupt, use a soft baby toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste.

Here are some tips for helping to ease your child's dental pain that is not a result of teething:

• Always have your dentist investigate any gum or tooth pain.
• Giving your child MOTRIN* at the first sign of pain, before it becomes severe, may be more effective than treating the pain at its worst.
• If your child's mouth is very sore, try using a liquid or caplet pain reliever instead of chewable tablets.
• Avoid putting MOTRIN* or any painkiller directly against your child's gums near an aching tooth because it may burn the dental tissue.
• If your child has pain in his or her mouth due to inflammation, try MOTRIN* and a cold compress. If the pain becomes worse with cold, try a hot water bottle or heat pack.
• If your child's gums or teeth are sore, try and avoid sugary or crunchy foods, or drinks that are too hot or cold.