In many ways, children are always a special case when it comes to orthodontic treatment. There are so many additional considerations to take for our littlest patients, which is why having an expert team like ours is so important! So, our team at DiMarzio Orthodontics will go over how you can foster good dental habits in your kids if they have braces.
Secret Weapons
First and foremost, we want to cover a few “secret weapons” that you might not be aware of going into orthodontic treatment with your child. These are simple tips that can make good dental health even better!
- Orthodontic Kits: Adult patients with braces should also be sure to carry around this type of kit. They’re a portable stash full of braces essentials for cleaning and maintenance on the go. It’s the easiest way to be sure your kiddo has supplies on hand if they need them when you aren’t present. Dr. DiMarzio or Dr. Marczak can give you a list of what to pack.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water plays a massive role for patients with braces. Water maintains saliva production, which can naturally clear away food particles and other leftover bits that can cause bacteria to develop.
- Orthodontic Wax: Orthodontic wax is an absolute must-have for your kid’s orthodontic travel kit. It can be applied as a buffer for stray wires or other components that may be damaged until you can get to our office.
- Fluoride Rinse: A fluoride rinse can be an additional protective barrier for a child’s teeth in addition to other cleaning materials. Think of it kind of like sunscreen!
Managing Dental Health
Naturally, there will be some extra issues kids with braces will have to face when it comes to keeping their oral health in good shape. Here are a few problems and solutions we discuss with patients pretty often at DiMarzio Orthodontics.
- Cavities:
- Problem: Braces can make cavities even more dangerous. Not only can they be harder to spot due to the components of braces, but they can be easier to ignore. Remember that kids have thinner enamel on their teeth, which makes them more susceptible to serious damage.
- Solution: Ensuring that kids are cleaning carefully and thoroughly around their braces is the best way to combat cavities.
- Diet/Sugary Foods:
- Problem: Sugary snacks and drinks that kids love can cause a lot of dental issues, especially cavities. Common culprits are fruit juices, sodas, candies, and desserts.
- Solution: Do your best to monitor your child’s diet and beware of excess sugar. If they do eat sugar, have them rinse their mouth with water immediately afterwards. If sugar can’t be completely eliminated from your child’s diet, consider at least moderating this ingredient.
- Increased Risk of Plaque Buildup:
- Problem: Braces are made up of components that can be a playground of plaque when they aren’t cleaned properly.
- Solution: Antibacterial mouthwash can knock out additional plaque and enhance your child’s entire cleaning routine.
- Difficulty Flossing:
- Problem: Flossing can become difficult in patients with braces, since there’s so many nooks and crannies to clean.
- Solution: Braces can be much more effectively flossed using floss picks or a water flosser, which can flush out hidden areas.
- White Spots and Staining:
- Problem: Demineralization is white spots you see on teeth, which can often remain hidden until braces come off.
- Solution: This can be a particularly undesirable result of ineffective cleaning practices. Let your child know about this consequence if they have challenges with cleaning.
- Challenges with Sports/Physical Activities:
- Problem: Certain sports are naturally riskier for kids with braces, such as football, hockey, or any type of combat sports like wrestling. Kids can also be rough playing together in other settings, like on the playground at school.
- Solution: Mouthguards are more complex than you might think. Make sure you consult with our team to choose the right kind for your child if they’re participating in athletics.
- Skipping Dental Visits:
- Problem: We love when parents prioritized orthodontic treatment, but it should never be to the detriment of dental visits.
- Solution: Stay on track with your visits to the dentist for cleanings and exams. We partner with them to ensure your child has holistic oral health treatment, and their work is equally important.
A Better Approach
Even though some children may have some different needs when it comes to their braces treatment, parents have nothing to fear! Remember that your family is in exceptional hands with our DiMarzio Orthodontics team. This shows in the many testimonials left by our incredible patients, as well as in our before-and-after gallery. Our Quincy office looks forward to welcoming you soon!