Keeping Your Child’s Braces Clean: a Guide for Parents

Braces are a common orthodontic procedure that many people opt for. However, most parents do not know how they should be cleaned and maintained. This is because braces are not a common sight, and people may not know what they should be doing to keep them clean. This article will teach you the basics of keeping your child’s braces clean and healthy.

Brush Your Child’s Teeth At Least Two Times a Day

Make it a habit to brush your child’s teeth in the morning when they wake up and at bedtime. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for braces, also referred to as an orthodontic toothbrush. Some parents choose to use regular toothbrushes without realizing that this is not recommended.

Brush up on the teeth and around the braces using a circular motion. Make sure to brush the front, back, and top of the teeth. Do not forget to brush the tongue. This is an often overlooked but important area to clean.

Along With Brushing, Floss Their Teeth

Floss your child’s teeth at least once a day using a floss threader or water flosser. Flossing between the braces is not an easy task. Use floss threaders to make it easier.  You can also use a water flosser to clean around your child’s braces and get rid of any food particles.

If you notice that food or particles are stuck in between your child’s teeth and the braces, do not attempt to remove them with a sharp object. Sharp objects can cause damage to the braces and hurt your child. Do not be tempted to try to remove them with anything metal. This can cause the braces to bend and warp out of shape.

Make Sure Your Child Drinks Plenty Of Water And Eats Healthy Foods

Water is a great way to flush out the bacteria in your child’s mouth, so encourage them to drink enough throughout the day. Avoid acidic foods or drinks such as soda, sports drinks, and citrus fruits. These foods and beverages can damage the enamel on your child’s teeth and make them more susceptible to cavities.

Keep Foods That Can Cause Tartar Buildup Away From Your Child’s Braces

Tartar is a sticky buildup that can form on your child’s teeth over time. It is difficult to remove and can cause dental problems. Some foods that are known to cause tartar buildup are candy, ice cream, and bread. As a replacement, you can give them crunchy fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples. This way, they can still enjoy a snack without having to worry about the adverse effects it may have on their braces.

Use Substances To Keep The Mouth Fresh And Eliminate Bad Breath

These substances can help eliminate bad breath that may come from food particles or cavities. Some examples of these are sugar-free mints, chewing gum, and mouthwash. When using mouthwash to freshen your child’s breath, make sure it is fluoride-free. Fluoride is the ingredient in most kinds of toothpaste that helps to prevent cavities.

If Your Child Plays a Sport, Be Sure To Wear a Mouthguard

Mouthguards are an essential part of protecting your child’s braces while they participate in any physical activity. They can prevent your child’s teeth from being damaged if they were to fall or hit the ground. You can ask your local orthodontist for the best recommendation for a custom-fit mouthguard or purchase one from your local sporting goods store.

Try Not To Let The Braces Touch Anything Wet Or Sticky For Prolonged Periods

Wet and sticky food or substances can damage them. This includes juice, soda, or nectar. These foods can leave a sticky residue behind that makes it hard to clean the braces and causes them to break down faster. This can also force you to bring your child to the dentist more often and increase your expenses since the braces must be replaced more frequently.

Remember To Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Even if your child is wearing braces, they still need to see the dentist every six months for a checkup. This is important to ensure that their teeth are healthy and that the braces work correctly. If your child develops a cavity, it can be harder to treat while they’re wearing braces. Ensure they practice the proper dental habits to maintain their oral health.

Braces are a standard orthodontic device used to correct the alignment of teeth and jaw positions. It can be easy for parents to forget how important it is to keep them clean, but this article should help you get back on track with your child’s dental hygiene routine.