An orthodontist may recommend braces for a child to correct crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, or other dental problems.
Braces can help a child straighten his or her teeth, but they won’t guarantee that a child can maintain a clean, healthy smile.
Instead, a child must know how to take care of his or her braces to keep the teeth looking great.
To take care of his or her braces, a child must:
1. Avoid Chewy, Hard and Sticky Foods. Caramels, popcorn, hard pretzels and other foods may become stuck in the braces or break them off, but kids who avoid chewy, hard and sticky foods can prevent this problem.
2. Brush and Floss the Teeth After Every Meal. Children with braces should brush and floss after every meal to keep the teeth clean and minimize plaque buildup and remove food stuck in braces. Also, they should brush the outer surfaces of the teeth and braces with a circular motion for optimal results.
3. Floss the Teeth Gently and Carefully. Kids with braces should thread the floss between the tooth and the braces’ wire and move it back and forth between the teeth and braces gently and carefully for maximum effectiveness.
4. Protect the Braces with a Mouth Guard. The American Dental Association (ADA) notes a mouth guard represents a great option for child athletes with braces to safeguard the top and bottom teeth.
5. Troubleshoot the Braces As Needed. In the event that a bracket or wire snaps or comes loose, a child should visit their orthodontist to troubleshoot and resolve the problem immediately.
To learn more about proper braces care and maintenance and the wide range of braces available to children, please contact The Super Dentists of San Diego County at (855) Go-SUPER.
