Children’s Braces: How To Maintain Your Child’s Orthodontic Braces

Navigating through childhood is a journey filled with various exciting stages, including the infamous phase of braces. Children's braces have become somewhat of a rite of passage, with many kids needing them at some point to help straighten their teeth and improve their bite. Braces for kids come in various forms such as traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear braces. Choosing the right type largely depends on the child's orthodontic problem, age, and personal preference.

So, while braces are common among children, people forget that they are a huge responsibility. Braces are hard to maintain and even a bit difficult to get used to. However, with time and the right kind of care, your child can have a comfortable experience with their braces.

Why is Proper Oral Hygiene Necessary for Kids with Braces?

Oral hygiene is always important, but it becomes even more so when a child has braces. Food particles and plaque have a nasty habit of getting stuck in the brackets and wires, which can interact with bacteria and germs and cause infections. Oftentimes, this leads to plaque, cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss! In such cases, only practising a good oral care routine can help your child’s teeth. Therefore, maintaining oral hygiene is a must when your child is wearing braces.

Tips for Taking Care of Braces for Kids

Now that you understand why it is so important to take care of your kids’ braces and teeth, here are some important braces care tips to keep in mind:

• Brush after every meal: After every meal, make sure your child brushes their teeth to remove any food particles stuck in the braces.
• Choose a good toothbrush: Since having braces is already uncomfortable, you can buy an electric toothbrush like makeO toothsi electro to clean your teeth well. This brush is ergonomically designed, with a small round head and soft nylon bristles, so it can easily reach corners in your child’s mouth and get rid of bacteria and particles.
• Remove elastics and brush at a 45 degrees angle: Did you know that gum disease starts at the area where the teeth meet the gums? To prevent that, you must ensure that your child brushes at a 45-degree angle near the gums and the teeth and cleans that area well.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash: These mouthwashes are excellent at killing any lingering bacteria and can also remove food particles from teeth gaps.
• Floss daily: Teach your child how to floss using a floss threader or a special orthodontic flosser designed for braces. You can even try makeO toothsi’s smart water flosser, a water flosser with 4 cleaning modes that effectively clean your mouth without the irritation of a thread.
• Avoid certain foods: Foods like popcorn, hard candies, and chewy toffees can damage the braces. Encourage your child to eat softer foods and cut fruit into bite-sized pieces.
• Wearing a mouthguard: A mouthguard must be worn during sports or difficult outdoor activities to avoid any damage to the braces or aligners.
• Regular check-ups: Regular visits to the orthodontist are a must to monitor progress and address any issues. You can also ensure that your child undergoes professional dental cleaning during this time so that their teeth are clean and well-protected.
• Use makeO toothsi aligner care essentials: Aligner essentials like an aligner cleaner, an aligner box etc can be very helpful in cleaning and storing your kids’ aligners safely.

When it comes to your child's braces, good oral hygiene and proper care are essential. Help your child establish a good care routine, whether they're using traditional braces or makeO toothsi clear aligners. Remember, a healthy, beautiful smile is a lifelong gift that you can give your child today. So, gear up and make the braces journey an easy ride with makeO toothsi!

FAQs

1. When should my child first see an orthodontist?

It's recommended that children first visit an orthodontist around age seven when permanent teeth start to come in. The orthodontist will determine if your child will need braces in the future.

2. Can my child still play sports with braces?

Yes, children can still play sports. However, they should wear a mouthguard to protect both their mouth and braces.

3. How long will my child need to wear braces?

The duration of treatment varies for each child, typically ranging from 18 months to three years.

4. Are there foods my child can't eat with braces?

Yes, hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods can damage braces. Encourage softer foods and cut fruits into bite-sized pieces.