How to Help Your Child Take Care of Their Teeth While They Have Braces

Getting a child to care for their teeth can be a challenge. It may become even more challenging when they have braces. Below are useful tips on how to help your child take care of their teeth while they have braces.

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO BRUSH AFTER EVERY MEAL

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, almost 4 million people in America wear braces. While wearing braces, it’s important to brush the teeth especially well to avoid cavities and other issues.

Braces may cause food to get stuck in your child’s teeth, which, allows plaque to grow and can cause cavities if they don’t brush their teeth after every meal. Brushing teeth with braces can be tricky, and your child may feel like they can’t do it. However, it is possible to keep your braces and teeth clean.

There are a couple of things you can do to encourage them to keep their teeth clean. First, use a thin, soft-bristled, or power toothbrush to gently clean under the wires, around the brackets, and along the gum line. Second, let them choose a fluoride toothpaste they like, to fight tooth decay. If they have elastic bands, remove them before brushing and replace them after.

HAVE THEM FLOSS DAILY

Flossing teeth takes time but is vital when wearing braces. It may be easier for your child to use a floss threader instead of actual floss. A floss threader pulls floss under the wires to clean the teeth better.

If your child finds it too hard to floss with a floss threader, try interdental cleaning brushes. They provide an easy way to remove plaque from between teeth. Contact the experts at Silver Smiles to find out more about interdental cleaners and what kind we would recommend for you.

HELP THEM SELECT BETTER FOODS

Any foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky are not braces-friendly. They all cause problems that you, your child, and your orthodontist want to avoid. Hard foods can break brackets and wires off. Sticky foods get stuck between braces and can cause tooth decay. Help your child select foods that are safer to eat while wearing braces.

Your child will have the best experience wearing braces with your help. Support them in caring for their teeth so they enjoy a beautiful smile after their braces come off. Contact their orthodontist if you have questions or if you want more best practices to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and clean while they’re wearing braces. You should also keep regularly scheduled appointments to ensure quality care. Contact the friendly team at Silver Smiles today to schedule an appointment, today!