Helping Your Child Maintain Oral Health With Braces

So you’ve finally reached that parenting milestone: You got your child braces. Now you may be wondering how you can help your child maintain their oral health while they have braces.

At Millennium Park Orthodontics in Chicago, Howard Spector, DDS, has given braces to thousands of kids, and he knows exactly what your child should do at home to make sure their mouth stays healthy. By making sure your child follows these tips, you can ensure that their mouth stays clean and healthy as their teeth get perfectly aligned. 

Brushing

This almost goes without saying, but at a minimum, your child should continue their brushing routine of at least twice a day. And, if possible, they should actually brush after every time they eat. When brushing, they should hold their toothbrush at an angle and make sure to brush into the gumline. They should also make sure to brush their brackets and angle their brush directly into the brackets.

Mouthwash

If your child has never used mouthwash, now is a good time to start. They should rinse their mouth a couple of times a day with a mouthwash that includes fluoride. This will help kill germs and rinse away any food particles that might get stuck in their braces. 

Flossing

Flossing should be a regular part of any child’s oral hygiene routine, but it’s doubly important if your child has braces. Your child may find it easier to use a threader to help with flossing or a water pick. Whichever method they choose, make sure they use it at least once a day. This will help loosen debris and plaque on their teeth, which, if not removed, could harden into tartar. 

Checkups

Don’t neglect your child’s regular dental checkups while they have braces. You still need to take them to the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. Your dentist can make sure their teeth are healthy, and they can also point out any problem areas that may need extra attention. They can also give you and your child tips to help keep their teeth clean and healthy.

If your child needs their teeth aligned, you have a number of options to choose from, including clear braces and Invisalign®. To learn more about getting orthodontic treatment for you or your child, or to learn more about oral hygiene when wearing braces, book an appointment over the phone with Millennium Park Orthodontics today.