Caring for your child’s braces is vital to ensuring their treatment is a success, but that doesn’t mean they need to stay tethered to the sink! Whether they’re heading back-to-school, out to dinner, or anywhere else, it is possible to eat without having to rush home to clean their teeth. If your child is headed out the door, help them “dress for success” with a portable braces survival kit.
The Importance of Braces Care
Keeping braces clean and free of debris will not only make them look cleaner, but it will also help them work better. Thus, it’s very important that your child cleans their teeth soon after eating. When they leave the house, make sure they bring:
- A toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Floss threaders
- Interdental brushes
- Mouthwash
These minimum essentials will help remove food debris and plaque from your child’s teeth and braces while they’re on the go, so their wires stay sparkly clean, and their teeth and gums stay healthy.
Eliminating Pain
It’s normal to experience a little sensitivity or discomfort with braces. Thankfully, an over-the-counter pain reliever usually provides adequate relief, consider including a few doses in your child’s bag. However, be sure to check their school’s medication policy before sending them to school with any type of medication.
Another helpful essential to include in their kit is dental wax, which can help cushion wires that need to be trimmed until you can get in to see the orthodontist.
Keep an Eye Out
It may be hard to tell if brackets or wires have food caught in them, so be sure to include a small mirror in your child’s kit so they can check their teeth when they’re not home. A mirror can also help them see where to thread their dental floss if they need to remove debris but aren’t near a restroom.
Stay Hydrated
Your child’s mouth may feel a bit drier than usual with braces, so having water handy is a must. Water can also be used for rinsing out the mouth after eating, so don’t forget to pack them a reusable water bottle when they go out.
Another side effect of braces is often dry or chapped lips, so make sure they always have lip balm on them, too!
Be Prepared
Leaving home doesn’t mean your child’s oral health has to suffer. Empower them to stay on track with a braces care kit that includes a variety of emergency essentials!
About Our Practice
At Waterford Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Dublin, we provide a variety of treatments to help your child maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether it’s general dentistry, restoration, or orthodontics, our caring team is here to help!
To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call us at 925-966-3112.