One of the most important aspects of having braces is taking care of them, as well as overall dental health. Children can struggle with this at times, so today, our Innovative Orthodontics team is happy to share some tips with you on how to foster good dental habits in kids with braces.
A Toolkit for Braces
For many patients with braces, one premium tool in their belt is an orthodontic travel kit. This collection of supplies can make cleaning and maintenance so much easier and more organized. Like a lunchbox or a backpack, make this an accessory that your child will be excited to take with them on the go. You can get creative with decoration to help personalize it, too!
Here are a few of the items Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton would suggest including:
- Interdental Brushes: A traditional toothbrush might not suffice for cleaning around the intricate components of braces. Interdental brushes are shaped and sized specifically for cleaning areas that are hard to access. Using these brushes and a small mirror can help with cleaning after meals.
- Braces-Friendly Toothpaste: It’s important that the toothpaste your child is using contains the proper amount of fluoride, which can provide an additional layer of support to enamel.
- Orthodontic Mouth Rinse: This type of rinse also includes fluoride and helps prevent plaque buildup. It can also be antibacterial, which fights gum disease and the formation of cavities.
- Orthodontic Wax: You can use orthodontic wax by forming it into a small ball and placing it on areas of concern. This can be useful when brackets are causing irritation or when wires are damaged.
- Mouthguard: If your child participates in athletics after school, they can also store their mouthguard in this kit. Remind them that it’s important to keep this in at all times to protect their braces from potential impact.
The Role You Play
Parents and guardians play a huge role in a child’s experience with braces. You can be a positive source for them when they’re struggling and help them stay on track with their dental health. Here are a few behaviors you, as a parent or guardian, can adopt to enrich your child’s experience with braces.
- Be Emotionally Supportive: The truth is that having braces is hard work for anyone. It can be a lifestyle and physical adjustment, and kids might not embrace them right away. Encourage your child that they’re taking steps to help make their smile healthier, and that they’ll be glad for it as they grow older! Be their biggest cheerleader!
- Lead by Example: Really try to drive home how important it is for kids with braces to brush, floss, and rinse their braces carefully and completely every single day. You can also gently remind them of some of the consequences of failing to do so. Even if their teeth end up straighter in the end, they don’t want decay or white spots to appear.
- Encourage Healthy Eating Habits: If your child has a serious sweet tooth, you might have to make some modifications to their diet while they have braces. Sugar causes bacteria, which causes decay, and the various components of braces can be especially susceptible to trapping this bacteria. We suggest heavily moderating consumption of sugary drinks and foods, when possible.
- Stay on Top of Appointments: Life is never easy, and events always arise unexpectedly—but our team will do our very best to accommodate your schedule. Do your very best to attend all appointments with us, as well as your child’s family dentist.
- Help Manage Discomfort: Teeth can be sore when the doctor tightens or adjusts braces in our office. Soreness can be managed with ibuprofen or Tylenol, as well as cold compresses. Resolving discomfort makes it far easier for kids to care for their braces.
- Be Prepared for Emergencies: A loose bracket or a sharp wire could be considered minor orthodontic emergencies that should never be ignored. Orthodontic wax is a great short-term solution. More serious emergencies involve trauma to the mouth, or if pain is severe. If you can’t make it to our office, visit a nearby urgent care center or emergency department.
Making Progress with Innovative Orthodontics
It can be hard on both parents and children when they get braces—but there’s no need to worry. You are in great hands with our Innovative Orthodontics team! We want to share some of the stories from our patients that prove this. We’re happy to serve the communities of Savannah, Rincon, and Pooler. Please reach out to us about scheduling a free consultation for your child if you’re considering braces.