Good dental hygiene is vital for everyone, but especially for children wearing braces. Orthodontics creates unique obstacles in keeping teeth clean, so teach your child how to care for braces. This article will address typical topics, such as which foods children with braces should avoid. Consult a Morrisville orthodontist for more information.
Why is proper oral hygiene important for children with braces?
Kids with braces have considerable dental hygiene issues. Metal braces make brushing more difficult and provide a sanctuary for food that gets lodged behind the wire. Stuck food raises plaque formation and the risk of tooth decay or gum disease.
Sometimes, a child’s teeth get so damaged that the orthodontist has to remove the braces and wait until the problems are corrected before restoring them. Because children with braces confront these issues on a daily basis, they must learn how to care for their braces.
Tips for keeping the braces clean
Below are a few suggestions and strategies for keeping your teeth healthy and your braces in good shape.
- Brush after every meal.
Brushing after each meal will aid in the removal of food particles trapped in and around braces. Your child should wash their teeth for at least two minutes each time. Before brushing, have your kid remove any rubber bands from their braces.
Then, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to their gums and gently clean each tooth in a back-and-forth motion. They should brush along their gum line and beneath the wires. Braces for children should be brushed properly, carefully, and softly.
Suppose your child is unable to brush their teeth after a meal, such as while at school, they must rinse their mouth with water. They should also remember to replace the rubber bands after brushing.
- Increase your brushing time.
Consider brushing for three minutes rather than two. This should allow you to spend at least ten seconds on each tooth. Your youngster should pay special attention to the regions where the brackets meet the teeth. Take care to completely clean the gum line and the backs of the teeth.
- Make a dental kit.
Make sure that your child carries a dental hygiene kit in his or her handbag or backpack. This pack should contain toothpaste, travel toothbrush, floss, orthodontic wax, and mouthwash. This eliminates any excuses for failing to wash your teeth after each meal!
- Replace your toothbrush
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles begin to deteriorate. Consider purchasing toothbrushes designed specifically for orthodontic treatment, as well as interdental brushes that can assist in brushing between the teeth and the wires.
- Get regular dental cleanings.
Finally, your child should continue to visit our clinic every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. This is especially critical during orthodontic treatment. Schedule an appointment today!
