Braces are a common dental solution for straightening and correcting the growth of teeth, especially in young people. In fact, it’s almost a rite of passage! By getting braces at a young age, your child can expect a straighter and healthier-looking smile while preventing many other oral health concerns.

Monitoring the cleanliness of your child’s braces is easy when they’re at home, but during the busy school year, it can be a challenge. Kids may forget to maintain them and could become shy about asking for a cleaning.

1. Encourage Cleaning Breaks

One important reminder for your children is that during each school day, they should take a few minutes for a bathroom break to clean their teeth. It’s all too easy for food to get stuck in braces, so spending a few minutes to clean their teeth is a great way to prevent hygiene issues. Flagging this with your child’s teacher is highly recommended, as teachers may set reminders for when to discreetly let your child know that it is time to go clean their teeth.

2. Provide a Bag of “Braces Essentials”

Pack your child a small bag with a travel toothbrush, a small tube of toothpaste, floss, wax, replacement rubber bands, a small mirror, and some lip balm. This little kit of essentials will come in very handy for them! It will help your child stay comfortable and give them the convenience of easily caring for their braces when not at home.

3. Cut Back on Certain Foods

Chances are that the foods your child loves are the ones that they should cut back on while wearing braces. They don’t have to avoid these foods completely, but it becomes vital to care properly after consuming the treats. This is where the kit of braces essentials comes in!

Speak with your child about why foods like these should be limited – and if consumed, take them through what care they should give to their teeth and braces afterward. Be clear that this will help your child avoid damage to the braces and prevent the discomfort of future oral health issues. Remind them to cut back on the following:

  • Chewing gum
  • Sticky and chewy foods, especially candy
  • Sugary snacks and drinks

Encourage them to drink plenty of water and rinse throughout the day in addition to the regular cleaning breaks that you arrange with their teaches while they’re at school.

4. Purchase a Mouthguard

If your child plays competitive sports, chances are they already own a mouthguard (or they should). But mouthguards are essential if your child wears braces. Any impact by a ball or limb to the face can potentially damage the braces’ structure and cut the mouth. So, encourage your child to wear their mouthguard all the time while playing sports.

For All Dental Services, Trust Dr. Stephen Coates!

If you think your child needs braces or requires any other dental treatment, then it is time to schedule an appointment Dr. Stephen Coates. In fact, the whole family can be taken care of when you visit! Schedule a dental exam today with the Long Beach family dentist that you can trust, so your family has healthy mouths and happy smiles.

0 Shares