BRACES AND GOOD ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE
How to keep kids motivated to follow good oral hygiene during their orthodontic treatment?
KEEPING TEETH AND GUMS HEALTHY DURING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Kids and teens wear braces to straighten their teeth or to improve the occlusion. Most of the kids wear braces for 18-24 months. This time can vary. Keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment gets a little bit tricky. Your dentist or orthodontist will show you how to practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums healthy. At Heritage Dental Group Indooroopilly, our dentists see kids and teens for their regular cleans and dental check-ups during orthodontic treatment.
Our dentists always reinforce the importance of good brushing, cleaning in-between teeth, using tooth mousse and floss to clean teeth. Poor oral hygiene can result in tooth decay and white spot lesions.
Gentle Dentist Brisbane
Here are few tips from Dr Singh to keep teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment:
Brushing your teeth properly with braces – You child should brush his/her teeth in the morning, after meals and dinner. Establishing a good routine from the start is vital for keeping teeth and gums healthy and cavity free. Use a soft bristle manual or electric toothbrush, holding toothbrush at 45 angle, start cleaning gum line softly. Then start brushing every bracket top to bottom, wiggle your brush back and forth to get between the wires. Brush each tooth surface, don’t forget the molars at the back, pay individual attention to each tooth in your mouth and spend at least 2-3 minutes brushing your teeth.
Cleaning in-between your teeth daily– Toothbrush can’t reach in-between teeth, your child should use floss at least once a day to clean in-between. Your dentist will show your child how to floss properly with braces during regular dental checkup appointments.
Keep a small braces hygiene kit – It is a good idea to make a small braces cleaning kit which your dentist or orthodontist usually supply. With braces your child needs to clean their teeth after meals at school or if they are going out. This kit usually contains small travel toothbrush, toothpaste, interproximal brush, flosser, and braces wax.
Keep your dental visits regular 6-12 monthly – During orthodontic treatment, it is important to see your dentist regularly as your child may not be able to clean their teeth properly with braces. Your child’s dentist will check all teeth, clean teeth, and give fluoride treatment. Your child’s dentist will also discuss areas where your child needs to pay attention on cleaning teeth and show them how to use floss and interdental brushes properly.
Rinse your teeth if no toothbrush available – Sometimes kids forget their oral hygiene kit, or they are out with friends or family. Simply rinse mouth with water to wash away all food debris and anything on the teeth and braces. Thy can do the brush as soon as they get home.
Use an interdental or interproximal brush to clean tight spaces – Your child can use interproximal or interdental brushes to clean the tight spaces in-between braces to remove plaque and food particles from around the braces.
Consider investing in water flosser – Water flosser sprays water and loosens food debris in-between teeth and around brackets and wires. This does not replace flossing and brushing but is an extra step or help towards cleaner teeth and gums.
When should my child visit the dentist or orthodontist?
When your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, they will see their orthodontist every 4-6 weeks. It is important to see your dentist every 6 months or as suggested by your orthodontist for regular preventative dental checks and clean.
Should my child use a mouthwash?
Your orthodontist or Indooroopilly dentist will recommend using mouthwash, but it is not a replacement for brushing or flossing.
We know it is bit tricky to keep teeth clean with braces, but with proper cleaning tips and tricks your child’s can keep their teeth and gums healthy, cavity free during orthodontic treatment.
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team on 07 38783384. If you need to book your child for their regular 6-12 monthly check-up, please contact our team in Indooroopilly on 07 38783384 or Book Online on our website.
WE PROMISE,” A GENTLE CARING DENTAL EXPERIENCE.”
References:
https://www.teeth.org.au/teeth-straightening-and-braces