There’s a lot of talk of “lifehacks” on social media—tips to make life easier. When it comes to children with braces, Thacker Orthodontics has a whole collection of these to offer you! In this blog, we will focus on some creative ways to foster good dental habits in kids with braces.
Knowing What to Expect
Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan try to make sure parents feel equipped with the knowledge they need to help guide their kids through orthodontic treatment. Part of this is having an idea of some of the common challenges that children can expect with having braces.
- Difficulty Cleaning: Traditional braces are made up of brackets and wires, which can easily trap food particles. You’ll find that regular toothbrushes often won’t do the job, which can take some getting used to. It also takes additional time and attention, which can be hard for kids who embrace shortcuts!
- Increased Risk of Cavities: Cleaning around braces can prove to be a challenge for kids—especially in terms of possible plaque buildup. When plaque develops, it results in bacteria that can eventually lead to cavities and decay. This is why we emphasize the need for proper oral hygiene.
- Staining Around Brackets: Inconsistent brushing or certain dietary choices can result in staining and discoloration around brackets. This can be an unpleasant surprise when braces are removed. Straight teeth with white spots are not our goal!
- Bad Breath: Another consequence of poor hygiene is smelly breath. This comes from the bacteria we mentioned and can be a problem for kids in social situations.
- Changes in Routine: Events like travel or illness can interfere with a child’s oral hygiene routine. They might be more resistant to cleaning if they’re feeling unwell (our doctors can provide additional advice in this scenario, especially if it’s a long-term illness) or if their cleaning tools aren’t readily available.
Challenge Accepted!
All of that being said, there are many ways to help when obstacles arise. At Thacker Orthodontics, our expert team is well-versed in any and all challenges that come with orthodontic treatment for our youngest patients. So keep the following tips in mind, and never hesitate to give us a call if you’re in a tough spot.
- Keep it Consistent: A consistent routine is probably the biggest element you need for successful dental hygiene in kids. When they understand that they have brushing/flossing time in the morning and evening every single day, they’re more likely to comply. Keep track of these sessions with a calendar or mobile app.
- Fluoride Booster: This is a handy tool to use each night right before bed, which we recommend for every patient. This additional layer of protection reinforces teeth and keeps them stronger while also preventing potential white spots.
- Remind Them of Consequences: For each of our patients, we give them a card featuring photos of good and bad hygiene with braces, also showing what can happen after they’re removed. Keeping these outcomes at the front of their minds can help encourage them to engage in better practices.
- Use Special Tools: Be mindful when choosing cleaning tools, and remember that there are many designed for kids with braces. An Oral-B iO electric toothbrush or a Sonicare Power Flosser are both highly utilized by patients. We also recommend using floss threaders, floss picks, or Oral-B Super Floss as opposed to normal dental floss.
- Keep Time: A tried-and-true timekeeper for brushing is a small two-minute hourglass, which we can provide you. This hourglass can be useful since they can watch the time elapse. You can also use a favorite song or a timer on your phone, whatever works best for your child. We don’t recommend simply leaving them in the bathroom to time it by themselves, especially at first!
- Eating Wisely: Diet plays a big role in oral hygiene for kids, especially when braces are present. Consider substitutes for foods that could cause damage. For example, instead of crunchy foods like popcorn, we’d recommend Pirate’s Booty of Pop Corners as a yummy alternative. This approach can take some creativity, but it works.
- Consider Other Appliances: Some kids require additional appliances in addition to, or instead of, traditional braces. Drinking thick liquids through a straw, like a smoothie, is a smart choice for children with any palatal appliance. This helps the tongue get used to swallowing and speaking around the appliance.
Ahead of the Game
We’re all in this together—our team and all of the families we treat! As we said, answering questions is a big part of our job at our practice, and we welcome any you or your child may have. Our Cincinnati and Hillsboro offices look forward to seeing you soon!