Dental braces can be slightly uncomfortable for kids in the beginning. Even routine tasks like brushing and eating can take some time to get used to.
However, with some help from you, kids can take care of their teeth with braces. Here’s how to help your kids brush with braces. The first step is to keep the right tools in place, which are:
Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Buy a toothbrush that has thinner, softer bristles as compared to a regular toothbrush. It can clean the teeth, braces, brackets, wire, and gum line without hurting the teeth.
Fluoride Toothpaste
Buy a fluoride toothpaste as it helps in strengthening the teeth. Let your child choose the flavor as they will be more excited to use something they chose.
Floss
This will help your child clean between the teeth. They might find it challenging to use the floss due to the wires of the teeth straightening. Help them till they get the hang of it.
Use a floss with a floss threader, gently place it under the wire and between the teeth. Use a push and pull stroke to remove plaque or food debris. Make sure your child flosses twice a day.
Oral Irrigator
This helps in blasting out food particles that are in hard-to-reach places. If the toothbrush misses out some spots, an oral irrigator makes sure of cleaning them out.
Let your kid be an active participant in choosing oral care products. This way, they will be more likely to use them on their own.
The Right Brushing Technique
Brushing is essential but you have to make sure they brush in the right manner. The braces may trap the food particles, and if they are not cleaned, it can lead to tooth decay and gum problems.
Teach your kid the right brushing technique. Here are the steps they must follow
- Remove the elastics fitted to the braces.
- Use the soft-bristled toothbrush and have your kid brush at a 45-degree angle in the area where the gum and teeth meet. They must use a back and forth motion.
- Brush gently, but they must use enough pressure to push the bristles onto the brace brackets on the top and bottom surfaces. This will help in cleaning the wire effectively.
- After every tooth has been brushed and rinsed, check the teeth to ensure no food particles are stuck in the braces.
- Reinsert the elastics for the braces.
The process should take at least two minutes. To make the task more fun, you can let your child brush for the length of their favorite song.
If you want your child to develop in a healthy manner, then you need to prioritize their oral health at all times. Here’s how regular dental check-ups can help your child.
