Helping Your Child Care for Their Braces
Kids and braces. It seems like these two words go together like oil and water. Ever since braces became a standard for straightening crooked teeth, kids have made their parents crazy with broken braces, and multiple unnecessary trips to the dental office. As a parent, you are spending a good chunk of money to give your child straight teeth, so it’s important that you are a good advocate for your child’s success in braces. Here are some ways that as a parent, you can help your child have straighter teeth and a better experience with their braces.
Understand That Braces Can Hurt
If you had braces as a child, you know exactly what we mean when we say braces hurt. For the first few months, your child will experience some significant discomfort from their braces. As we start the process of moving teeth, pressure is placed on the jaw and the tooth itself. The result is teeth that hurt and may feel uncomfortable for a week or more. Knowing this, there are things you can do for your child to ease their discomfort. First, we can suggest a routine of pain reducers that will make your child more comfortable. A low dose of ibuprofen can cut the pain. Eating with this discomfort isn’t fun, so make sure that your child has access to softer foods that will be easier to eat, while their teeth are adjusting to their new placement. A hungry child, combined with the discomfort of braces can make for an unhappy home.
Be a Good Example of Good Dental Care
So many kids end up with cavities while wearing braces. This is because they don’t have a good at home dental care routine. For parents, this is a problem because after all of the time and effort we make to straighten your child’s teeth, you are now paying us more money to fill cavities. Make sure that you are encouraging a good routine of brushing and flossing while your child is wearing braces. This will limit the potential for tooth decay, gum disease and even bad breath. Braces can cause other dental problems, but they don’t have to, with the right at home care.
Avoid Missing Appointments
Unless you have a teen driver in braces, your child is going to rely on you to get to their appointments. We’ve set out a careful plan to adjust your child’s teeth as effectively as possible and in as little time as possible. Missing appointments can throw off this schedule. Make sure that you and your child keep your dental appointments. Of course, kids get sick and conflicts happen. Just make sure to reschedule with us as soon as possible so that we can keep your child’s orthodontic care on track.
Be a Smart Shopper
You can’t always control what your child eats when they go to school, but you can manage what they eat when they are at home. Almost all brackets and wires that are broken during the course of orthodontic treatment are due to eating foods that aren’t compatible with braces. We’ll give you a list of foods to avoid, but as a reminder, when you shop, avoid things like tortilla chips, sticky candy, hard fruits and vegetables and crunchy foods. These foods are notorious for dislodging brackets and breaking wires. If your child does break a bracket or wire, they will need to get a replacement as soon as possible.
I Need To Make An Appointment at Your Warren Dental Office to Discuss Braces For My Child!
Braces seem to have a family wide impact. However, that day when your child’s braces come off is an exciting day for you and your child. Seeing their beautiful straight smile makes all of the challenge worth it. Your child’s success in braces was not just their accomplishment, but yours as well. Having a beautiful smile is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Dr. Apsey loves helping parents give this gift to their kids. If your child is in need of braces, call us today at (586) 573-7700 or request a consultation for braces to learn about the options for creating a beautiful straight smile.