When your children first get braces from a cosmetic dentistry professional, they can face special challenges that take some getting used to. They may feel discomfort or pain, and they will likely have restrictions on eating some of their favorite foods. As parents, you know that when the braces come off, your child’s teeth will be beautiful, be in the meantime, you want to help them through the tough spots. You may consult a cosmetic dentistry professional to know the proper way of taking care of your child’s braces.
Make Foods They Can Eat
With braces, your child shouldn’t eat hard or sticky foods, such as crunchy vegetables, nuts, caramel, and chewing gum. Some foods can damage the wires or loosen the brackets from the teeth. Foods that break into tiny pieces, like popcorn, can get stuck between the teeth.
Instead, make plenty of soft foods available, such as soft fruits like bananas and strawberries, cooked vegetables (though no corn-on-the-cob), and tender meats like chicken and hamburger. Stock your fridge and pantry with quick snacks like fruit-flavored yogurt, whole grain muffins, and sugar-free popsicles.
Help Them Manage the Pain
Many kids experience pain after first getting their braces and after each adjustment. Braces move the teeth slowly, steadily, and gently, but the shifting can cause a reaction in your jawbone. Your child’s teeth can feel sensitive, and the gums could be sore.
Gargling warm water can help soothe sore gums. It will also aliveiate the discomfort and abrasions caused by the wires and brackets rubbing on the inside of cheeks and lips. According to some family dentistry experts, you can also place dental wax on the braces to reduce the rubbing.
Teach Them the Keep Their Teeth Clean
When you have braces, you have to learn new ways to clean your teeth. Your child will need to learn special strategies for cleaning between teeth and around the hardware in their mouth. Younger children may not have the dexterity to clean all areas of their mouth and may need help.
You can help by getting special cleaning tools, like interdental brushes and pre-threaded flossers. Water flossing is another great way to keep teeth clean when you have braces. Water flossers are especially good at removing food stuck between teeth or wires.
When your child gets braces, their life will change in many ways, at least temporarily. But you can help them feel more comfortable and keep their teeth healthy while they’re undergoing treatment. On the day the braces come off, you can all celebrate.
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