Braces offer the best solution to orthodontic problems for both children and adults. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, parents should schedule an evaluation for their children no later than seven years old. However, taking care of braces can be very challenging for children. Here are six tips to help your child care for their braces.
1. Encourage Regular Brushing
To take proper care of their braces, it is best to encourage your child to brush their teeth after every meal. Regular brushing prevents food particles from getting stuck in the braces. Provide your child with an electric brush and fluoride toothpaste for best results.
2. Encourage Regular Flossing
Flossing is as important as brushing when it comes to taking care of braces. Nevertheless, children tend to skip flossing. Instill a flossing routine in your home to enable your child to floss every day to maintain the integrity of their braces.
3. Tell Your Child to Avoid Sticky and Sugary Food
Children love eating sticky and sugary foods like candy and other sweets. Discourage your child from eating these kinds of food because they contain too much sugar, which can stick to their teeth and cause tooth decay. Sticky food can also stick on the braces themselves, which can interfere with the wire and other hardware used for teeth alignment.
4. Discourage Your Child from Eating Crunchy and Hard Food
Like sticky and sugary food, crunchy and hard food can also cause damage to their braces. Discourage your children from eating foods like apples or groundnuts. This will help protect your child’s braces from breaking or coming loose.
5. Buy Your Child a Mouthguard
If your child is playing sports like soccer, football, or basketball, it would be best to buy them a mouthguard. Flying balls or tripping can accidentally damage the braces. Investing in a mouthguard will help take care of your child’s mouth and braces.
6. Take Your Child to See the Orthodontist Regularly
Even if you have everything covered, visiting the orthodontist regularly will make all the difference in your child’s treatment. An orthodontist can remove particles stuck on the braces, clean the areas your child isn’t able to reach, and even repair the braces if they have any issues.
Start using these tips today to help your child take care of their braces. Contact Nowlin Orthodontics if you have any questions concerning your child’s braces.
