How to Care for Braces

For many of our patients, keeping up with a regular dental hygiene routine can be difficult. With the addition of braces, caring for teeth may feel like a daunting task for your little one. Braces can trap tiny pieces of food and can sometimes be uncomfortable, but if left unmanaged, they can also be the cause of dental problems. 

Here are four easy tips to help your child improve their braces care.

4 Ways Your Child Can Keep Their Braces Clean

1. Cut their Food Into Small Pieces

Your child will need to make a few changes to their daily routine in order to take proper care of their orthodontic appliances. One of these changes is the way they eat their food, as biting into food can cause it to get stuck to your braces. Hard foods such as candy, apples, and others can even damage their wires and brackets, causing the need to repair them immediately to prevent injury.

Cut meat, fruits, and vegetables into bite-sized pieces so your child can enjoy them without worrying about damaging their braces.

2. Brush and Floss Often

While your child should be brushing their teeth two to three times a day, it’s important to keep their teeth cleaned after getting braces. Plaque and food particles can become trapped in between the braces and your little one’s teeth. Once this debris builds, your child can be faced with cavities, swollen gums, and even stains on their teeth.

Be sure your child does the following when brushing their teeth: 

  • Brush for at least 2 minutes, after each meal, focusing on all areas of the mouth.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss with a threader to clean teeth under the wires at least twice daily.

3. Ditch The Sticky Sweets

Sour candies and gum can easily get stuck in your child’s braces. If your child has a sweet tooth, try introducing more fruit into their diet in replacement of these candies. However, if they still insist on wanting candy, chocolate is a great option (in moderation!) that won’t get caught between your youngster’s brackets.

4. Visit the Dentist

Your child will need to visit their dentist and orthodontist regularly for cleanings and adjustments. Though they may experience tightness after their visit, it’s important to reassure your child that this is normal and that the pain will subside.

When your child reaches the age of 7, it’s recommended that they see an orthodontic specialist for a check-up to determine if braces are suitable. For more information or to book an appointment, contact our offices:

MEDFORD OFFICE: 631 320 0880

COMMACK OFFICE: 631 486 6364

GARDEN CITY OFFICE: 516 280 6734