You may have decided to get braces for your child because you were concerned about their oral health, and rightly so. Orthodontic treatment can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and confident smiles. But while braces are certainly good for oral health, they produce the greatest benefits when the person wearing them is diligent about taking measures to make the treatment succeed. To observe National Children’s Dental Health Month, an orthodontist in Canfield is here to discuss why good dental health habits are so vital for your child — especially when they are wearing braces — and how you can instill such habits.
The Challenge of Braces
Braces are a remarkable treatment, but they do make it slightly more challenging to keep a clean mouth. It is possible that the brackets and wires will collect food and bacteria and trap those substances against the teeth, leading to an increased risk of decay. While adults might naturally be conscious of such issues, children, and perhaps even some teenagers, need some gentle but insistent coaching to help them adopt habits that will make sure their teeth stay healthy throughout the orthodontic treatment process.
How to Teach Good Habits
Here are some tips to help you encourage your child to take good care of their teeth while they are wearing braces:
Make Sure They Understand What to Do
Depending on your child’s age, you may have to monitor their oral hygiene habits when they first get braces. Make sure they are following all their orthodontist’s instructions. Take the time to talk to your child about what they should and should not do, and don’t be afraid to give them frequent reminders if necessary. If youhave questions about anything the orthodontist said about proper braces care, don’t hesitate to give their office a call.
Make It Enjoyable
Kids tend to love sticky, crunchy, high-sugar foods. Many of such foods are bad for teeth anyway, but they are especially dangerous when a child is wearing braces because they can quickly lead to decay or damage the braces’ brackets and wires. Try to take your child’s focus away from what they can’t have and shift it toward what they can. Find some braces-safe treats that your kids can enjoy without worry. Milkshakes, peanut butter, and chocolate should all be fairly safe.
Make Sure They Have the Right Gear
Your child should carry some oral hygiene gear with them so it is easy for them to clean their teeth after meals. A toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and interdental flossers are all an important part of oral hygiene with braces.
Set the Example
Even if you do not have braces, you can still set an excellent example for your child by sticking to good dental health habits. Your child will notice what you do and will be likely to follow in your footsteps — both when they are wearing braces and for many decades to come.
About the Author
Dr. Marissa Mikolich is an adult’s and children’s orthodontist in Canfield who provides top-quality treatment in a welcoming environment. She earned her dental degree from The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and furthered her education at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. If you have any questions about how to care for teeth during orthodontic treatment, Dr. Mikolich will be happy to assist you. Contact our office at 330-967-4110.