Braces are a common orthodontic treatment for children, helping to straighten their teeth and create a healthy smile. However, taking extra care of your teeth while wearing braces is important to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent issues like cavities and gum disease. In this blog, we will discuss ten ways parents can support their children in keeping their teeth healthy and clean during their orthodontic journey.
Ways Parents Can Help Their Children’s Teeth Stay Healthy While Wearing Braces
Encourage Regular Brushing:
Emphasize the importance of brushing your teeth at least twice a day, especially after meals. Children should thoroughly clean every tooth surface, including around brackets and wires, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque.
Teach Proper Brushing Technique:
Demonstrate the correct technique for brushing with braces. Encourage your child to angle the toothbrush towards the gum line, using gentle, circular motions to clean each tooth. Emphasize the need to be thorough and spend adequate time brushing.
Emphasize Flossing:
Flossing becomes more challenging with braces, but removing plaque and food debris from between teeth and around wires is crucial. Show your child how to use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to navigate around brackets and wires for effective flossing.
Provide Orthodontic Wax:
Braces can cause discomfort and irritation due to wires or brackets rubbing against the cheeks or lips. Ensure your child has access to orthodontic wax, which can be applied to the brackets to provide a protective barrier and alleviate discomfort.
Promote Healthy Eating Habits:
Encourage your child to make smart food choices that are braces-friendly. Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage braces or get stuck. Instead, opt for softer options like fruits, cooked vegetables, and lean meats that are easier to eat and won’t cause harm.
Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks:
Excessive sugar consumption increases the risk of cavities, which can be more challenging to treat with braces. Encourage your child to reduce sugary snacks, candies, and sodas. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives like water, unsweetened beverages, and sugar-free snacks.
Provide a Water Flosser or Interdental Brushes:
Water flossers or interdental brushes can be helpful tools for cleaning around braces. They can reach areas that regular brushing or flossing may miss, ensuring thorough oral hygiene and reducing the risk of plaque buildup.
Regular Dental Check-ups:
Maintain regular dental check-ups for your child throughout their orthodontic treatment. Dentists can monitor oral health, provide professional cleaning, and address any concerns promptly. Regular check-ups help catch and address issues early, ensuring optimal oral health.
Use Fluoride Mouthwash:
Incorporate a fluoride mouthwash into your child’s oral hygiene routine. It helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Ensure your child swishes the mouthwash for the recommended time and spits it out without rinsing afterward.
Be Supportive and Encouraging:
Orthodontic treatment can be challenging at times, and your child may feel self-conscious or experience discomfort. Offer support and encouragement throughout their journey. Remind them of the long-term benefits of braces and how their efforts to maintain oral hygiene will pay off with a beautiful and healthy smile.
Conclusion:
Maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces is crucial for your child’s dental health. By following these ten tips, parents can play a significant role in helping their children keep their teeth healthy and clean throughout their orthodontic treatment. Encouraging proper brushing and flossing techniques, promoting healthy eating habits, and providing the necessary tools and support will ensure a positive orthodontic experience and set the stage for a lifetime of oral health.
Call Us Now to Schedule an Appointment! 
