Tips for Parents on How to Take Care of Your Kid’s Braces
As a dentist providing pediatric dental services, I understand that navigating the world of braces can be a new and sometimes overwhelming experience for both parents and kids. However, with the right guidance and care, your child's journey to a perfect smile can be smooth and successful. Here are some essential tips to help you take care of your child's braces effectively.
1. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is paramount when your child has braces. Braces create additional nooks and crannies where food particles and plaque can accumulate, leading to tooth decay and gum disease if not cleaned properly. Here’s how to ensure your child’s teeth stay clean:
Brush After Every Meal: Encourage your child to brush their teeth after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay extra attention to cleaning around brackets and wires.
Use an Interdental Brush: These small brushes can reach areas a regular toothbrush might miss. They are particularly useful for cleaning between braces and under wires.
Floss Daily: Flossing can be challenging with braces, but it’s crucial. Floss threaders or orthodontic floss can help your child clean between their teeth and along the gumline effectively.
Rinse with Mouthwash: An antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash can help reduce plaque buildup and strengthen tooth enamel.
2. Be Mindful of Diet
Certain foods can damage braces or make oral hygiene more difficult. Encourage your child to avoid:
Sticky Foods: Caramel, chewing gum, and gummy candies can get stuck in braces and are tough to clean.
Hard Foods: Nuts, hard candies, and popcorn can break brackets and bend wires.
Sugary Foods and Drinks: Excessive sugar can lead to cavities. If your child does consume sweets, ensure they brush their teeth soon afterward.
3. Protect the Braces
Kids are active, and accidents can happen. Protecting their braces during sports and other activities is important:
Wear a Mouthguard: If your child plays contact sports, make sure they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth and braces from injury.
Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Remind your child not to use their teeth to open packages, bite their nails, or chew on pencils.
4. Attend Regular Orthodontic Appointments
Regular visits to the orthodontist are crucial for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments. These appointments ensure that the braces are functioning correctly and help address any issues before they become major problems.
5. Address Discomfort Promptly
It’s normal for your child to experience some discomfort, especially after getting braces tightened. Here are some ways to manage this:
Orthodontic Wax: Provide your child with orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires that are causing irritation to their cheeks or gums.
Saltwater Rinse: A warm saltwater rinse can help soothe sore spots in the mouth.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: If necessary, you can give your child over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to alleviate discomfort.
6. Educate and Encourage Your Child
Help your child understand the importance of taking care of their braces. Educate them on proper oral hygiene techniques and why avoiding certain foods is necessary. Offer plenty of encouragement and support throughout their orthodontic journey.
Conclusion
Taking care of braces requires diligence and patience, but the reward is a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. By following these tips and maintaining regular communication with your child’s orthodontist, you can help ensure their orthodontic treatment is a success. Remember, good habits formed during this time will benefit your child’s oral health long after the braces come off.
Kids Dental Spot is a dental office focused providing services to pediatric patients in Anaheim, California serving kids, children, infants and adolescents in the heart of Orange County serving nearby neighborhoods, such as: Fullerton, Brea, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Buena Park, Placentia, and Orange.
Written and Medically Reviewed by Dr. Atiya Bahmanyar, DDS (Board Certified - Doctorate of Dental Surgery)
