In many ways, children are always a special case when it comes to orthodontic treatment. There are so many additional considerations to take for our littlest patients, which is why having an expert team like ours is so important! Dr. Yu and our team at Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics will teach you how to foster good dental habits in your kids with braces.
Facing Challenges
Let’s break down some of the main issues our teams in Windham and Portland see in kids with braces, as well as some ideas for solutions! Our team is more than familiar with all of these problems, so we don’t want you to feel discouraged if they arise.
- Diet/Sugary Foods:
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- Problem: Kiddos love to eat their snacks, and can be especially fond of sugary snacks like candy, soda, and cookies. These can all promote decay and bacteria in their mouth. Sugary juices can also be a culprit for cavities.
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- Solution: Be super mindful of your child’s diet. If you cannot eliminate sugar altogether, make sure they’re cleaning effectively after consuming it, and that it’s done in moderation.
- Cavities:
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- Problem: Not only are children much more vulnerable to cavities due to having thinner enamel, but they often go untreated. With braces, the cavities can be even more tricky and become hidden behind various components.
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- Solution: The key here is effective cleaning. Brushing, flossing, the whole nine yards!
- Increased Risk of Plaque Buildup:
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- Problem: The intricate structure of braces can trap plaque much more easily.
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- Solution: Using fluoride toothpaste and antibacterial mouthwash can help with better cleaning to eliminate excess plaque.
- Gum Irritation and Swelling:
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- Problem: The braces often irritate the gums and make them sensitive. This can make it harder for kids to clean effectively, but dodging them altogether can cause gingivitis.
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- Solution: Brush gently on the gumline, and use mouthwash to soothe sore gums further.
- Difficulty Flossing:
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- Problem: Flossing can also be tough with braces due to the wires and brackets.
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- Solution: Consider using a water flosser or floss threaders as an alternative to traditional flossing, both of which can better navigate braces.
- White Spots and Staining:
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- Problem: Demineralization can occur when teeth aren’t cleaned well. This can be especially deceptive since you may not see the consequences until braces are taken off.
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- Solution: Once again, it all comes down to proper cleaning. Remind your children of this potential outcome.
- Challenges with Sports:
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- Problem: Kids who play sports risk damaging their braces. This is mainly true for kids who play contact sports with frequent collisions, like football, or ones with potential mouth injuries, like hockey.
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- Solution: Not just any mouthguard will do! Ask our team about orthodontic mouthguards to help protect their appliance so they can keep playing their favorite sports.
- Skipping Dental Visits:
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- Problem: It’s entirely possible for parents to over-prioritize orthodontic appointments and neglect dental checkups. This can lead to issues slipping under the radar.
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- Solution: Be diligent about taking your kids to their routine cleanings and exams. Dentists help spot additional issues that could impact their orthodontic treatment.
More Tips and Tricks
When it comes to maintaining excellent oral health for kids with braces, there’s a lot to consider! Here are a few additional tips and secret weapons that can keep their smiles healthy until those braces come off (and even after that).
- An Orthodontic Kit: At Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics, we highly recommend putting together a little bag for your child to take with them to school or on trips, full of braces and necessities for cleaning and maintenance. Grown-ups use these kits as well. It’s the easiest way to have supplies on hand, just in case anything goes wrong. Dr. Yu can provide you with some more ideas for what to pack.
- Orthodontic Wax: This is a powerful tool for any patient with braces. You can keep it handy in your travel orthodontic kit, for example. It can be used to protect the inside of your mouth from stray wires or sharp edges until you can see Dr. Yu. Orthodontic wax also helps to reduce any discomfort from braces that you might feel on the soft tissues of the mouth.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and fluids is an important element of health in general, but it can play an even bigger role when you have braces. Water will rinse away residual food and sugar so that they don’t stick around and cause future issues, and it maintains saliva production.
- Fluoride Rinse: In addition to using a good mouthwash, a fluoride rinse can be an extra measure of protection, particularly in the places that are hardest to reach when kids are cleaning.
Making It Happen
So yes, there are extra challenges kids with braces might face in their orthodontic treatment, but it’s entirely possible for them to foster those good dental habits we mentioned above!
If you want to learn more about establishing good dental habits in your kids who have braces, call us today and schedule your free consultation!
Our teams in Windham or Portland are ready to meet you and provide you with additional guidance along the way.