Congratulations on your child’s new braces! While it may seem like a lot of work to keep them clean and free of food particles, it is actually not that difficult. With a little bit of effort, your child can easily maintain their braces and have a beautiful, healthy smile. Here are seven tips for keeping your child’s braces clean and in good condition:
1. Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
It is important to take your child for regular dental check-ups, even if they have braces. The dentist will be able to check for any problems with the braces and make sure that the child is brushing and flossing properly.
2. Help Your Child Brush and Floss Their Teeth Properly
Make sure that your child is brushing their teeth properly. They should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. They should brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day.
It is also important to help your child floss their teeth properly. They should use a floss threader to help them get the floss under the wire of their braces. They should floss their teeth once a day.
3. Encourage Your Child to Eat Healthy Foods
Encourage your child to eat healthy foods. Foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates can cause cavities. Eating a balanced diet will help keep their teeth and gums healthy.
4. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Encourage your child to avoid hard and sticky foods. Hard foods can break the brackets off of their braces. Sticky foods can get stuck in their braces and cause cavities.
5. Avoid Pop and Sports Drinks
Encourage your child to avoid pop and sports drinks. These drinks are high in sugar and can cause cavities.
6. Get Them a Mouth Guard
If your child plays sports, it is important to get them a mouthguard. A mouth guard will protect their teeth from being damaged if they are hit in the mouth with a ball or other object.
7. Get Them to Kick Off the Chewing Habit
The chewing habit is difficult to kick for many people. But it is especially important for people with braces. Chewing on hard objects can damage the brackets and wires. It can also cause the teeth to move out of alignment. If your child has the habit of chewing on their fingernails, straws, or other objects, it is important to help them break it.
Potential Consequences of Not Maintaining Braces Properly
If your child does not take care of their braces, it can result in a number of potential consequences. Some of these consequences include the following:
1. Stained Teeth
If your child does not brush their teeth properly, it can lead to staining. Stained teeth can make your child’s smile look less attractive.
2. Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by plaque buildup. If your child does not brush their teeth properly, they may have bad breath.
3. Gum Disease
Plaque buildup can cause gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss.
4. Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by plaque buildup. Tooth decay can lead to cavities. Cavities can cause pain and may require fillings or other dental work.
5. Braces Damage
If your child does not take care of their braces, it can lead to damage. Braces damage can include bent wires and broken brackets. Braces damage can be expensive to repair.
Conclusion
If you’re considering letting your child take care of their own braces, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, it can be a great way for them to learn responsibility and gain a sense of ownership over their own oral health. On the other hand, it’s important to ensure they’re prepared for the extra time and effort required to keep their braces clean and free of food particles. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but we hope this guide has helped you make an informed decision.
Schedule an appointment at Solarte Orthodontics today if you need an orthodontist in Manassas, VA! We have helped many patients in Virginia achieve a healthier, straighter, and more attractive smile. Request your free consultation today!
