Keeping Kids' Teeth Healthy and Clean with Braces

Many kids need orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth or correct an improper bite. This can improve long-term oral health and make teeth easier to clean. However, when kids wear braces, it can be more challenging to clean their teeth properly. Brackets and wires create extra nooks where food and plaque can get trapped, increasing the risk of cavities and gum irritation. That is why it's important that kids with braces are extra diligent with their dental hygiene. 

The foundation of good oral hygiene starts with brushing. Simply brushing with toothpaste twice a day isn’t enough when braces are involved. Kids should use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic-specific brush to gently and thoroughly clean around each bracket and wire after meals as often as possible. Holding the brush at different angles, above and below the brackets, helps reach places where food can stick. Make sure your child is taking at least two minutes to brush during each cleaning session and is brushing every surface of each tooth. This helps remove plaque before it can harden. It is important to brush after every meal whenever possible. This ensures that food debris is removed before it can linger and cause bacteria to grow. When brushing right after eating isn't possible, kids should rinse their mouths with water to help dislodge food remnants. 

In addition to brushing, flossing is also essential for cleaning between teeth and under wires where a toothbrush can’t reach. Traditional flossing isn’t easy with braces, but floss threaders, orthodontic floss, or a water flosser can help. Kids should floss at least once a day and ideally before bedtime to prevent gum inflammation and tooth decay. Other types of helpful tools include interdental brushes, which are small brushes that slip between wires and teeth to remove stubborn food particles that regular brushing misses. Adding an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash to your child’s routine can provide an extra layer of protection as well, by helping to kill lingering bacteria and strengthening enamel against decay.

Proper cleaning is very important for protecting teeth, but your child's diet also makes a difference. Certain foods are more likely to get stuck in braces or damage brackets and wires. Sticky candies, chewy sweets, hard popcorn, and crunchy snacks should be limited because they can pull at brackets and make cleaning more difficult. Cutting harder foods like apples or carrots into smaller pieces makes them easier to eat without risking damage to the braces.

Lastly, don't forget to keep up with your child's regular dental visits throughout their orthodontic treatment. Even with excellent at-home habits, plaque can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. Routine visits to your pediatric dentist and orthodontist ensure that your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy and that any potential problems are caught early. Professional cleanings can help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease while braces are in place.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's oral health, please call our office.