Kids & Braces
Getting braces is a milestone in your kid's life. Braces are the best way to boost your child's confidence, especially during the teenage years. But taking proper care of those braces is equally essential.
Here are the things that you should pay attention to.
- Make sure that your child is following a good oral routine
- Have your kid follow a healthy diet
- Keeping your regular orthodontic visits.
Now, let's elaborate on these points.
To start with let us understand what your dentist means by a good oral hygiene routine. Your child's oral hygiene routine should include
- Brushing your teeth
- Flossing
Brush your teeth
Brushing your teeth regularly and using the right techniques can help prevent staining and keep your braces and teeth clean. It is usually recommended to brush after every meal. If this is not possible you should at least brush your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes. To make sure all your teeth and braces are clean follow the brushing techniques below:
- Begin brushing from the top of the brace/bracket and aim right towards the tooth. Also, brushing back and forth is recommended.
- Properly clean the area under the brace/bracket using a back and forth movement to ensure proper cleaning
- Use light circular motions while brushing the teeth to prevent any damage to the braces
Flossing is as important as brushing
Flossing can help remove the food particles that are stuck between your teeth. You can ask your dentist to explain the proper techniques to floss while having braces.
Now, let us talk about diet. A healthy diet is important for your child's growth, it is also equally important for their oral health. Following a good diet while undergoing braces treatment and certain foods can damage the braces and also cause cavities. Make sure to avoid foods that can get lodged between the braces or can stick to them. Avoid sweets and hard crunchy foods such as candies, and popcorn.
And lastly, regular dental checkups for adjustment of braces and regular cleaning will help make sure that the teeth are moving in the correct direction and are healthy.
Taking good care of braces will ensure that your child has a healthy and happy smile. To know more about how you can take care of your child's teeth visit our pediatric dentist and book an appointment today!