How Should Your Child Take Care of Their Braces?
Posted on December 8, 2021
In the U.S., it is estimated that 3.9 million children are orthodontic patients. If your child has braces, or has been recommended for braces, you may be concerned about how to care for their teeth during treatment (per the American Association of Orthodontists). Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be difficult. With a couple of tips, you can keep your child’s teeth in great condition throughout their treatment.
1. Brush After Every Meal
When your child has braces, it’s important to make sure that they brush after every meal as often as they can. Braces provide a lot of places for food to get stuck and cleaning it away as soon as possible will help keep teeth from accumulating plaque. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, have your child gently clean around their braces and gum line so that all areas of their mouth get as clean as possible.
2. Take Care Of Your Braces – Avoid Sticky Candies
Although kids don’t like being told they can’t eat their favorite candies, sticky candies can be terrible for kids with braces. Not only are they full of sugar, but they can also get stuck to the braces and potentially damage them. While this doesn’t mean that all candies are off-limits, overly sugary treats should be kept at a minimum to help prevent tooth decay both during and after treatment.
3. Get Them a Mouthguard for Sports
If your child plays sports, investing in a mouthguard is important as it can prevent damage to their braces and mouth. If a stray ball or hand were to impact your child’s mouth, it could cause damage to their braces, gums, and lips. A mouthguard helps protect both the mouth and braces so that damage is minimal should impact occur.
4. Partner with Your Dentist and Orthodontist
When your child has braces, regular cleanings at the dentist are a must. The dentist can check and clean areas that are easy to miss during brushing. This helps to keep your child’s mouth as healthy as possible throughout treatment.
Similarly, if you’re ever unsure about something, you should speak to your orthodontist for guidance instead of guessing or searching Google. Your orthodontist can also work with your child to ensure that they know how to take care of their braces both at home and at school.
If your child has braces or needs braces, keep these tips in mind so that they can keep their teeth as healthy as possible during treatment. While it can seem like a huge adjustment, it’s easier than it sounds when you start putting it into practice. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact the friendly team at Today’s Orthodontics, today!