Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true way to realign a child’s teeth so they can enjoy a healthier and more beautiful smile for life, but they aren’t known for being low-maintenance. Rigorous oral hygiene, proper braces-cleaning measures, and regular checkups with your child’s dentist and orthodontist are all crucial components of keeping your kid’s orthodontic treatment on track. Here’s how to assemble an excellent orthodontic survival kit so your child has everything they need for proper braces care on the go.
Oral Hygiene Supplies
Excellent oral hygiene is essential to your child achieving the best possible results from their orthodontic treatment. Their orthodontic survival kit should include dental care items like:
- A toothbrush: Choose a soft-bristled variety to protect the enamel.
- Dental floss: Essential for cleaning between the teeth.
- Floss threaders: These help dental floss reach underneath the braces.
- Travel-sized antibacterial mouthwash: Using this once a day will kill huge amounts of harmful oral bacteria and leave your child’s breath nice and minty.
Braces Maintenance Supplies
The braces themselves will require some special care during your child’s orthodontic treatment. Make sure their orthodontic survival kit contains:
- An interproximal brush: These utensils allow patients to clean the spaces between the brackets and under the wires to prevent the accumulation of plaque and food debris.
- Dental wax: If your child complains about their braces poking into their lips or cheeks, have them place a small bit of this material over the wire or bracket causing them discomfort. This will smooth out the edge so your kid can wear their braces more comfortably.
- Rubber bands: These must be changed regularly if your child wears them.
- Over-the-counter pain medication: If your child is old enough to follow the instructions printed on the label, including over-the-counter pain relievers in their kit can help them manage any discomfort.
Water Is Essential
Water plays crucial roles in oral hygiene, braces maintenance, and keeping your child hydrated. It’s a great idea to send your kid to school or play with a bottle of water so they have that to drink instead of sugary and acidic sodas or juices that can erode their enamel and feed the bacteria that cause oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay. Drinking plenty of water will also prime your child for proper saliva flow, which helps wash away bacteria and food debris while keeping the teeth lubricated to protect them from injury.
With orthodontic treatment, excellent effort leads to excellent results. By ensuring that your child has these items on hand, you can set them up to achieve their ideal smile.
About the Practice
Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics provides the finest oral health care available to the children of Pleasanton. Led by Drs. Margaret Santiago and Amy Brandon, the staff delivers compassionate and effective treatments in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. Areas of expertise include pediatric dental treatments, sedation dentistry, and children’s orthodontic services. To learn more about how you can help your child take excellent care of their teeth and braces, contact the practice online or dial (925) 425-9292.