How to Care for Braces and Maintain Your Kid’s Dental Health?

Posted On: October 29, 2022

It can be difficult for parents to determine how frequently their children require dental care and it's even harder to get them to do so when they have braces. Because of the inconvenience of wearing braces, some kids may stop caring about their oral hygiene. In order for braces to be effective, they must be worn consistently, and children must take good care of their teeth to prevent plaque build-up and tooth decay.

Kids can have, gaps, crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth which can affect their dental health. Braces not only aid in improving the appearance of the teeth but aligning helps in their oral health too. With proper education, kids can adopt practicing good oral hygiene as part of their daily routine. By supervising and helping them, you, as parents, can slowly and steadily incorporate correct dental hygiene methods.

Here are some ways that when added to your child’s daily routine will help take care of their braces and maintain good oral hygiene –

1. Floss daily

Wire braces make it harder for kids to keep their teeth clean because food can become stuck in the brackets and wires. Certain varieties of floss are advised by orthodontists because they are easier to thread behind the braces. If you floss once a day, you'll reduce the risk of developing gum disease. It has the additional benefit of preventing foul breath.

2. Brush your teeth after each meal

It's crucial to take care of your teeth by brushing them twice a day. Food can get caught in braces or on the teeth if they aren't cleaned regularly. Dentists also suggest brushing your teeth after each meal is essential for good oral hygiene, although rinsing the mouth with water and wiping away food residue can also help. After eating, it is essential to clean the teeth with a soft-bristled brush or one may also benefit from and have the least difficulty using electric toothbrushes. This will help get rid of any leftover food particles that enable plaque to form on your teeth.

3. Foods To Avoid

Children with braces should avoid eating specific foods, especially those that are particularly crunchy or hard. The wire in your braces can be bent or broken by eating hard, crunchy foods like popcorn and hard candies or any kind of nuts. You should also stay away from sticky and sweet foods since they might cause damage to your teeth by leaving harmful particles in them.

4. Routine dental check-ups

Regular trips to the dentist and orthodontist will allow you to stay informed about your child’s oral health. They will check for any signs of oral disease and offer you detailed information on how to best care for your child's teeth during routine checkups. They are able to look for indicators of tooth decay and help with cleaning and treatment.

Constant monitoring is required to ensure that your child is engaging in healthy dental routines and it's crucial that your kid maintains excellent oral hygiene and takes proper care of their braces to ensure optimal dental health. Regular dental visits and diligent care, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing, can do wonders for your oral health and have a healthy smile.