Braces do a great job of straightening teeth, but they also require extra care. With brackets and wires in place, food can get stuck more easily, leading to plaque buildup over time.
If not cleaned properly, this can cause cavities, gum issues, or other dental issues. A little extra effort goes a long way in keeping your child’s teeth healthy.
Here’s what you need to know to help them care for their teeth while wearing braces.
Brush After Meals
Brushing is always important, but with braces, it becomes even more essential. Encourage your child to brush after meals, or at least rinse their mouth if brushing isn’t possible.
The goal is to remove any leftover food before it sticks to their teeth. Here are some tips to help them brush effectively with braces:
Use the right angle. Holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle with the bristles pointed toward the gumline helps clean along the gums, where plaque loves to hide.
Brush thoroughly. Your child should brush the tops of the brackets, the area between the brackets and gums, and below the brackets to get rid of any trapped food.
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on the gums and braces while still doing a great job of cleaning.
Floss at Least Once a Day
Flossing can be a bit tricky with braces, but it’s just as important as brushing. Make sure your child is flossing at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.
Using orthodontic floss or a floss threader can make it easier to get between the teeth and around the braces to remove food and plaque.
Use a Water Flosser for Extra Cleaning
Even with regular brushing and flossing, some food particles can still get stuck in hard-to-reach spots. A water flosser can help by using a gentle stream of water to clean around braces, reaching areas that regular floss might miss.
While it doesn’t replace traditional flossing, it’s a great addition to your child’s routine for an extra deep clean.
Be Mindful of Food Choices
What your child eats matters when they have braces. Certain foods can damage brackets and wires, so avoiding them can help prevent issues.
Popcorn is a common culprit. Tiny kernels can get stuck in braces, and biting into a hard, unpopped piece can loosen a bracket or snap a wire.
Sticky candies like caramel, taffy, and gummies can be tough to clean off braces, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities.
Hard candies, nuts, and even ice can put too much pressure on braces and cause damage.
Encouraging your child to stick with softer, braces-friendly foods will help protect their orthodontic work and keep their teeth easier to clean.
If they’re craving something crunchy, try cutting up apples or carrots into small pieces instead of biting directly into them. The less stress on braces, the smoother the treatment process will be.
Don’t Skip Regular Visits
Routine checkups with the dentist and orthodontist keep your child’s braces and teeth in good shape.
Dental checkups help prevent cavities and remove plaque buildup, while orthodontic appointments ensure the braces are working as they should.
Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups help keep teeth and gums healthy while your child wears braces. A little extra care now means a bright, confident smile when the braces come off.
Give us a call today to schedule a checkup with a dentist for kids in New Iberia, LA!