Oral hygiene is always important, but it becomes even more crucial if your kid is wearing braces. Braces can trap food particles and make it harder to clean the teeth and gums properly.
If not cleaned properly, these food particles can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
What are braces?
- Braces are devices used to straighten and align your teeth.
- They are commonly used to correct misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and bite issues.
- They consist of brackets bonded to your teeth and attached with wires.
- Braces slowly apply pressure to your teeth, causing them to shift into the desired position over time.
Braces are adjusted periodically by your kid’s orthodontist to ensure proper progress. If you have any specific questions about braces, contact Sloss & Carpenter Orthodontics.
The practice has been serving people of all ages in and across Colorado for several years. As a parent of Braces for Kids, it is essential to teach them how to care for their braces.
Encourage proper oral hygiene in your kid wearing braces
Brush teeth and braces regularly
Your kid must brush their teeth and braces regularly, ideally after every meal. It helps to remove any food particles that get trapped in the metal braces. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around the brackets and wires gently.
Your kid has to go to school wearing the braces, so make sure to pack an orthodontic brush. These are small and designed specifically to clean between wires, braces, and teeth.
Floss daily
Flossing is just as important with braces as it is without. Teach your kid the right flossing technique.
- Use waxed floss because it most probably doesn’t get shredded or caught while flossing between braces and teeth.
- Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to clean each tooth’s side without snapping the floss.
- Teach your kid to floss gently to avoid wire or bracket damage.
- After flossing, rinse with water to eliminate loosened food particles.
Proper flossing prevents tooth decay and gum diseases, so encourage regular flossing!
Avoid certain foods
Kids wearing braces are not allowed to eat food that can damage or get stuck in the wires and brackets. This will make it hard to clean their gums and teeth properly. Make sure your kid avoids –
- Sticky foods, such as chewing gum, caramel, and taffy
- Hard foods, such as hard candy, popcorn, and nuts
- Sugary foods, such as candy, soda, and sweetened drinks, can increase the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Encourage your kid to avoid these foods or eat them in moderation to avoid damage and oral health risks.
Wear a mouthguard during sports.
If your kid plays any sports, then get an Orthodontic mouthguard to protect the braces and teeth from getting damaged.
These mouthguards have a special shape that allows them to fit comfortably over the braces without hindering the orthodontic treatment.
Attend regular appointments
During appointments, the orthodontist checks the performance of the braces and, if needed, makes adjustments. Take your kid to the dental clinic as scheduled to ensure the best possible outcome.
Teach your kid the importance of oral hygiene, especially while wearing braces, to ensure a successful orthodontic treatment.
