If your child has braces, it is essential that they clean their teeth properly to avoid problems such as inflamed gums and tooth decay. Ensure that they understand to keep their mouth healthy, they have to commit to taking care of their teeth on a daily basis. If you are considering braces for kids in Pensacola, know that food particles and plaque will have additional places to accumulate, hence the need for proper cleaning. Here are four ways kids can clean their teeth while wearing braces.
1. Brushing
Rinsing the mouth with water before brushing helps loosen food particles and makes the rest of the process easier. Ensure they are using fluoride toothpaste and a brush with soft bristles. They should start brushing at the gum line before proceeding to the top and bottom of the bracket and finally the wire. Make sure they take their time while brushing to guarantee as much tooth surface as possible is cleaned. The toothbrush will suffer wear and tear from the braces, so it will need replacing frequently.
2. Flossing
Flossing is still important even while wearing braces because it reaches hard to reach areas missed by the brush. However, flossing with braces can be frustrating and difficult. A floss threader makes the process easier and less frustrating. If your child is too young to floss by themselves, you will have to help them until they are able to do it on their own.
3. Mouth Rinse
Other than brushing and flossing, it is recommended to use a fluoride mouth rinse multiple times a day. Mouth rinse not only helps clean food from the teeth, but it also helps with bad breath. If your child is complaining of cuts and scrapes from the braces, they can use an antiseptic rinse. Your child needs to understand that even though they rinse their mouth, it is not a substitute for flossing and brushing.
4. A Braces-Friendly Diet
When having braces put on, Dr. Bowman DDS will explain to your child that certain foods should be avoided. Food and drinks with high acidity are not friendly to teeth. Sticky candy is also not advisable as it can damage the wires.
When brackets and wires are put on to your child’s teeth, cleaning becomes more complicated, but it is still manageable. If you have any questions regarding teeth cleaning with braces, the professionals at the office of Dr. Brodie Bowman would be more than happy to answer them. We are conveniently located in Niceville and Fort Walton Beach, FL. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!