Braces are an exciting step towards a straighter, healthier smile for kids and teens. During the orthodontic treatment process, it is even more crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to keep any unnecessary complications at bay. Here are some tips for parents to ensure their children thoroughly clean their teeth with braces:
Brush Often and Thoroughly: Encourage your child to brush their teeth in the morning, after meals and snacks, and before bed. They should use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with toothpaste. It’s important to brush each bracket individually. Another tip is to be sure to choose toothpaste without whitening ingredients to avoid tooth discoloration after braces removal.
Flossing with Braces: It’s important to floss at least once per day and use special floss for braces, such as an orthodontic flosser or a waterpik.
Interdental Brushes: These small brushes are able to clean the tight spaces between brackets and wires, ensuring thorough cleaning. They can be easily found in most pharmacies.
Mouthwash: Use a braces-friendly mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen breath.
Maintaining good oral hygiene with braces ensures effective tooth movement and reduces the risk of cavities. While it may seem difficult, brushing teeth with braces is almost as simple as brushing without.
Taking your oral health a step further, ProHEALTH Dental and Northwell Health recently announced a strategic agreement to provide oral health services across Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County. This partnership underscores the growing recognition of the integral link between oral health and overall well-being.
For more information or to make an appointment with ProHEALTH Dental, visit www.phdental.com or call 855-PHD-CARE.