Share:

It’s an adjustment for everyone when your child gets their braces. Help them care for their orthodontic devices properly with these do’s and don’ts.

Do: 

Continue good oral hygiene.

Food particles and bacteria can build up even more easily around orthodontic hardware, so keeping up a regular oral hygiene routine is crucial. Choose a soft-bristled brush or orthodontic head for an electronic toothbrush, and encourage kids to brush after every meal. Use products, such as an oral rinse, as recommended by their orthodontist.

Floss regularly.

bracesFlossing is a little trickier when kids have braces. They might find floss sticks, picks, or threaders easier to fit between the wires. Oral irrigators or interdental brushes can also help clean around wires and between teeth. 

Contact the orthodontist as needed.

If a bracket or wire comes loose or your child sustains an injury that may have damaged their braces, contact their orthodontist immediately. Damaged hardware can increase the time needed for orthodontic treatment and leave wounds inside the mouth.

Don’t:

Eat problem foods.

Have your child avoid sticky foods like candy, gum, and toffee. Don’t eat popcorn either since unpopped kernels can damage wires. Chewy foods like jerky or certain breads are more likely to leave food debris stuck in teeth and wires. Stay away from sodas and sugary drinks too since they can make plaque buildup and decay worse around brackets.

Skip dentist visits.

Your child still needs to go to the dentist for exams and cleanings if their orthodontist is in a different office. Orthodontic visits will be about adjusting braces, not routine dental care.

Chew on hard objects.

Discourage kids from chewing on pencils, ice, fingernails, or any other objects. Let them know that using their teeth to open bags or bottles may lead to damaged braces and extra visits to the orthodontist. 

 

Maintain your child’s braces with the help of Kapolei Keiki Dental. Their team offers preventative, restorative, and orthodontic care for kids, for which they’ve been voted the among the Best Dentists in Hawaii since 2009. Call 808) 944-1020 to make an appointment in Kapolei, Waianae, Makakilo, Ewa, or surrounding areas. Visit the website to learn more about their services.

tracking