How Should I Handle Dental Emergencies Involving My Child?

Dealing with dental emergencies can be stressful, especially when your child is in discomfort. Orthodontic emergencies are no exception, but knowing what steps to take can help alleviate the situation and ensure your child remains on track with their treatment. At Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in Sycamore, IL, Dr. Peter Barysenka and Dr. Sarah Barysenka are dedicated to helping families manage these situations smoothly.

How to Recognize Orthodontic Emergencies

Not all issues with braces or orthodontic appliances qualify as emergencies. Minor discomfort, such as sore teeth after adjustments, is expected. However, there are times when a situation requires more immediate attention. Orthodontic emergencies typically involve significant pain, injuries to the mouth, or broken braces components that may interfere with eating or oral health. Some signs of an orthodontic emergency include:

  • Severe pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relief
  • Broken or bent wires that poke into the gums or cheek
  • A loose bracket that causes discomfort or could disrupt treatment
  • Oral injuries that involve bleeding or tissue damage due to braces or wires

If any of these signs occur, it’s time to take quick action and, if necessary, contact Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry for guidance.

How to Handle a Loose Wire

One of the more common orthodontic issues in Sycamore is a loose or broken wire. While this situation isn’t typically an emergency, it can cause discomfort, especially if the wire is poking into the soft tissues of the mouth. Our team recommends carefully assessing the situation before trying to fix it at home. Here’s how you can manage a loose wire until you can visit the orthodontist:

  • Examine the wire: Take a close look at it to determine if it’s simply out of place or broken. If the wire is fully intact but out of alignment, you may be able to move it back into position.
  • Push the wire back: If a wire is sticking out and causing discomfort, gently push the wire back into place with the eraser end of a pencil.
  • Cover sharp edges: If the wire cannot be repositioned, place a small amount of orthodontic wax, which you can get from our Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry team, over the end to prevent it from irritating the inside of your child’s mouth.

If these steps are ineffective or if the wire is broken, please contact our team to book a repair appointment.

How Should I Handle Dental Emergencies Involving My Child?

Steps to Take for a Loose Bracket

Brackets—the small metal or ceramic squares attached to each tooth—can sometimes become loose or detach from the tooth entirely. This can happen due to eating hard or sticky foods or simply because of the daily wear and tear of braces. While a loose bracket isn’t always painful, it can affect the effectiveness of the treatment if not addressed quickly. Here’s what to do if a bracket comes loose:

  • Check the wire: First, check whether the bracket is still attached to the wire. If it is, you can gently slide it back into position on the tooth.
  • Secure it with wax: Apply orthodontic wax to hold the bracket in place temporarily. This will prevent it from moving and irritating your gums or cheeks.
  • Avoid sticky foods: Until you can get the bracket reattached, it’s essential to avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that could further damage the braces.

While a loose bracket isn’t always a full-blown emergency, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. This ensures your child’s treatment stays on track without unnecessary delays.

First Aid Tips for Mouth Sores from Braces

Braces can sometimes cause sores or irritation in the mouth, especially in the early stages of treatment. This is a common side effect as the mouth adjusts to the presence of new appliances. Here are some tips to help manage mouth sores and keep your child comfortable:

Rinse with salt water

A saltwater rinse can soothe irritated areas and promote healing. You can try mixing eight ounces of warm water with one teaspoon of salt and have your child swish it around their mouth for about 30 seconds.

Apply wax

If specific parts of the braces are causing sores, cover those areas with orthodontic wax to reduce friction against the mouth.

Use an oral anesthetic

Over-the-counter oral anesthetics, like those containing benzocaine, can provide temporary relief for painful sores. Apply a small amount directly to the sore using a cotton swab.

Mouth sores should heal within a week or two, but if the irritation persists or worsens, contact our team to rule out any other issues.

When to Contact Your Orthodontist

While many orthodontic problems can be managed at home temporarily, there are times when it’s important to reach out to our team for professional help. Timely communication can prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems. Here are some situations when you should contact Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry:

  • Severe pain or injury
  • Damaged braces
  • Mouth sores that don’t heal

It’s always better to address concerns sooner rather than later to keep your orthodontic treatment moving smoothly.

How Should I Handle Dental Emergencies Involving My Child?

Unsure How to Handle Your Child’s Dental Emergency? We’ve Got You Covered!

We know dental emergencies can be nerve-wracking, especially for your child. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Whether it’s a loose wire, a broken bracket, or something more serious, Dr. Peter Barysenka and Dr. Sarah Barysenka at Sycamore Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry are here to help. If your child is in pain or something just doesn’t seem right, contact our office in Sycamore. We’ll walk you through what to do and make sure everything gets back on track as smoothly as possible!