Explore a world of comfort – Essential care tips to help kids adjust to braces

Living with braces involves an increased need for hygiene and care to maintain oral health and cleanliness in children. Braces can sometimes cause discomfort and require additional time and effort for maintenance. Children may initially feel overwhelmed by this new responsibility. Here are some useful tips to help children manage the process of caring for braces.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene On the Go

• It’s wise for kids to have a travel kit containing essential oral care items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, rubber bands, wax, and lip balm. This ensures consistent oral hygiene practices between meals and throughout the day.

In addition, it prepares them for any unexpected issues with their braces. Encouraging children to carry this kit in their school bag and keep it handy at all times is advisable.

Oral Hygiene Routine

• Maintaining thorough oral hygiene, especially while wearing braces, is crucial for a child’s overall dental health and the outcome of their smile post-braces. It’s advisable to complete the entire teeth cleaning regimen, including flossing and mouthwash, before sleeping.

Flossing adequately can take several minutes, and children require time to learn this. Attempting to rush through the routine in the morning may result in incomplete cleaning. Therefore, it is best to maintain an oral hygiene routine at night when there’s enough time.

Rubber Bands Maintenance

• For children prescribed to wear rubber bands, they need to carry extras at all times to replace any that break promptly. Since rubber bands gradually lose elasticity, they should be replaced regularly, especially after each meal.

If the rubber bands cause discomfort, consistent wear helps prevent the hooks from irritating or cutting into the cheeks. Continuous wear of rubber bands also ensures that the treatment progresses optimally.

Sports and Athletic Activities

• When a child engages in sports or athletic activities, it’s crucial to consult the orthodontist for specific guidelines. A mouth guard is essential to ensure protection when participating in contact sports while wearing braces. During facial or head injury, promptly inspect the mouth and braces for damage.

Should the braces sustain damage or teeth loosen due to an athletic injury, immediate contact with the orthodontist’s office is crucial. Meanwhile, alleviate any discomfort resulting from a mouth injury with aspirin or the child’s usual remedy for general soreness.

Boosting Confidence with Braces

• It’s important for kids not to feel self-conscious about wearing braces, and if they do, remind them of the perfect smile as an outcome. Braces are incredibly common and a typical aspect of growing up, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed about them.

Encouraging a positive attitude towards braces can make a child’s orthodontic journey more manageable and less daunting. Remind them that a few years of orthodontic treatment will result in a lifetime of having a beautiful and healthy smile.

Post-Braces Care

• After braces are removed, it’s advisable to refrain from using whitening products such as whitening toothpaste and mouthwash. Additionally, the orthodontist will likely provide a custom-made retainer for the child to wear following the removal of braces.

Adhering strictly to the instructions for retainer wear is crucial to prevent teeth from shifting back to their pre-braces position. It’s essential never to eat while wearing retainers and always store them in their case when not in use. Furthermore, retainers should be cleaned daily by brushing them with toothpaste and hot water.

Transform your child’s smile and boost their confidence with Dental Braces. Contact Icon Dental Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment for your child’s orthodontic needs in Seattle or Everett. Our expert dentists are dedicated to providing the best orthodontic treatment, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Trust us to help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. For consultations or bookings, call us at (206) 225-2882 for Seattle and (425) 337-2400 for Everett appointments.