If you’re the parent of a child who is about to get braces, you may be wondering what they should know before their treatment begins. Braces can seem like a daunting prospect for kids, but with the right preparation, they can make the most of their time in braces and have a beautiful smile in no time! Make sure your kids know these three things before getting braces.
Why They Need Braces
One crucial thing your kids should know before getting braces is why they need them. As you probably already know, braces are usually worn to correct alignment issues with the teeth. But what you may not realize is that there are a variety of different types of braces that your child can choose from. And each type of brace has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For instance, some braces are made from metal, while others are made from clear plastic or ceramic. Some braces are also removable, while others are not. So it’s important that your child understands all of their options before choosing the type of braces that are right for them. Once your child understands why they need braces and what their options are, they’ll be able to make an informed decision about the type of braces that are right for them. And that’s something that will benefit them for years to come.
Foods They Can’t Eat
There are a few things your kids should know before getting braces, and one of the most crucial is the type of foods they can and can’t eat. Hard and crunchy foods can damage braces. This means it’s important to avoid such items. Instead, your kids should stick to softer foods that are easy to chew. This doesn’t mean that their diet has to be boring, though. There are plenty of delicious and nutritious soft foods out there, from ripe fruits and vegetables to cooked grains and tender meats. So as long as your kids are careful with their food choices, they’ll be able to enjoy a healthy and tasty diet even with braces.
How to Care for Braces
While the excitement of getting braces may seem like all fun and games, there is a crucial thing your kids should know before their orthodontic journey begins: how to take care of their braces. Properly caring for braces is important to ensure that they work effectively and efficiently, and to avoid any unwanted pain or discomfort. Here are a few things your kids should keep in mind when it comes to caring for their braces:
- Brushing & flossing: It is important to brush and floss regularly, paying special attention to areas around the brackets and wires. Orthodontic brushes and floss threaders can be used to help get into those hard-to-reach places.
- Avoiding hard & sticky foods: Things like gum, caramels, and hard candy can damage braces, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. Sticky foods like peanut butter and jelly can also get stuck in brackets and teeth, so it’s important to brush after eating these as well.
- Wearing a mouthguard: If your child plays sports, it’s important that they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth and braces from any impact. Mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.
Braces are an intimidating step in the oral health of kids, but you can help them get through it! By following these simple tips, your kids will be on their way to having healthy and happy smiles – with beautifully straight teeth to show for it!
Check out this article on how to make sure children grow up with healthy teeth!
