Whether or not your child has braces, poor oral hygiene can lead to a wide variety of dental problems. However, the risks of damage are higher for children who have them. The metal brackets attached to teeth can provide an excellent hiding place for food particles, plaque, and bacteria—hazards that affect long-term dental health. The caring experts at Mosling Orthodontics in La Crosse, WI, share why it’s so vital to regularly brush, floss, and rinse.

Risks of Poor Oral Hygiene for Kids With Braces

Regular dental care is crucial to eliminate the plaque that builds up in the tight spaces around braces. Unless it is cleaned, the bacteria starts to eat away at the tooth’s surface, causing sensitivity and decay. In addition to creating cavities, plaque bacteria can affect the tissue, posing a high risk of gum disease.

Damage caused by bacteria is accelerated if food particles are stuck between the braces and the teeth, as they feed bacteria and stimulate decay. Other times, the acidic content in some food can strip away the enamel, calcium, and phosphates of the teeth and heighten dental sensitivity.

Apart from permanent damage to your child’s teeth, poor oral hygiene can lead to other unpleasant side effects. For example, children who aren’t on top of cleaning may find that they have consistently bad breath. Other times, improper care will lead to tooth discoloration, which can take away from the stunning appearance of straight teeth after the braces are removed.

Ways to Ensure Proper Dental Care With Braces

In addition to brushing twice a day, your child should brush after every meal to prevent food particles from becoming lodged in the braces. To ensure the entire tooth surface is covered, orthodontists recommend brushing at a 45-degree angle against the gum line. An interdental brush is a special tool that can help clean out the tight spaces that a standard brush can’t reach.

Flossing will also require more attention, as the floss will need to be wrapped around each bracket to get between every tooth. A floss threader can make it easier to get the floss into these spaces. After flossing, your child should rinse with an approved mouthwash to kill any remaining bacteria and promote fresh breath.

Get your child off to the right start with their braces by making an appointment with Mosling Orthodontics. They’ll demonstrate proper cleaning methods and ensure your child knows how to brush and floss correctly with braces. This orthodontist also offers alternatives to metal braces that can be easier to care for, such as Invisalign®. To schedule a orthodontic consultation, call the office at (608) 782-1950 today. You can learn more about their services online.