A PARENT’S GUIDE TO ORTHODONTICS “Hurray for new braces!” said no child ever. While getting new braces can be exciting at first, the novelty soon wears off as kids try to adjust to the drawbacks. Luckily, there are a lot of things parents can do to make the process a little easier. Just check out our list! 1 SERVE SOFT FOOD FOR THE FIRST WEEK Braces can make it difficult to chew certain foods. Help your kids during the first week by taking sticky, sweet, or hard foods off the menu, and serve soup or yogurt to soothe their sore mouths.
4 Use Orthodontic Wax 5 Offer Ice Cream 6 Use Mouthguards
It’s not uncommon for the metal brackets and wires to cause irritation of a child’s lips, gums, or inner cheeks. Put orthodontic wax over the metal to help prevent irritation and to remedy your child’s pain.
Sugary ice cream shouldn’t be part of your child’s everyday diet. However, the cool food can help soreness. After the application procedure is finished, ice cream is the perfect celebratory treat to combat the pain.
2 Have Them Gargle Saline
If your child experiences a lot of mouth pain, gargling with saline can help reduce soreness. Mix half a glass of warm water with two pinches of salt for an effective home remedy.
Mouthguards can prevent tenderness caused by the brackets or wires rubbing against the inside of your child’s mouth. Your child should always wear a mouthguard while playing sports to prevent damage to their teeth or braces. New braces are the first step in improving your child’s oral health. They probably won’t love them right away, but your child will surely thank you in the long run. Until then, these tips can help you make the experience a little less terrible.
3 Take Advantage of Pain Relievers
If your child experiences extreme mouth pain, over-the-counter ibuprofen can help. Check with your child’s doctor to determine the right dosage.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Soup
Take a Break
Ingredients •
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1 tablespoon garlic, minced 5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
3 pounds sweet potatoes, roughly chopped
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1 onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, sliced
1 cup coconut milk
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2medium carrots, chopped
Directions 1. Place all the ingredients except for the coconut milk in a slow cooker. 2. Season everything to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. 4. Puree everything until smooth, using a blender or an immersion blender. 5. Add the coconut milk, give everything a good stir, and cook for another 30minutes. 6. Adjust the seasoning and serve warm.
Recipe courtesy of PaeloLeap.com
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