Your child has just turned eight years old, and your dentist says they can now wear a pair of braces. According to most people, children can wear braces from as early as eight to fourteen years, when their mouths and jaws can respond to straightening. However, knowing children, you are worried whether your child will be able to maintain their braces or adjust to them. Here is a review that will give you hints on some common mistakes your child might make with braces, and how you can help avoid them.

 

Common mistakes children with braces make

 

In this guide, you will learn how your child can comfortably adjust to using braces, and ensure the braces work well in the end.

 

1. Not eating the right foods

 

It is a standard procedure that your orthodontist gives you a quick recap on what your child should and should not eat when wearing braces. The diet will ensure that your child’s braces stay intact, and the parent should regularly revisit this diet. As a parent with a child who wears braces, consider packing their lunch to ensure they eat a braces-friendly diet. For example, children with braces should keep away from hard or crunchy foods such as carrots, chips, or nuts. They should also avoid candy or gum and consume bite-sized foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, soft meats, cheese, meatloaf, rice, seafood, and eggs, and soft fruits like watermelon.

 

2. Not brushing their teeth

 

We all know that most children do not love brushing their teeth. However, it would help if you had a conversation with them about how important it is to brush their teeth after every meal, even while in school. Ask them to take a few minutes after lunch to visit their school bathroom and clean or floss their teeth. Parents can take the extra step of packing a braces care kit for their child to make them understand how important it is to take care of their braces and dental hygiene. The braces care kit can contain floss, mouthwash, toothbrush, dental wax, a small mirror, and extra elastics.

 

3. Using the wrong flossing tools

 

You should help your child understand the benefits of flossing while they have their braces. However, this procedure is essential even for children and adults without braces. Your child might not like the idea of flossing with braces because of the rubber bands and brackets that interfere with the process. There are right flossing tools that you can get from your dentist that can make the process less daunting on your child. These tools include super floss, interproximal brushes, floss threaders, dental picks, and others. You will notice that each appliance will improve the effectiveness of flossing for your child.

 

4. Not taking water

 

It would be best if you made your child understand the benefits of taking water even when they do not have braces. However, they must drink water every time they take their meals to avoid food particles sticking in between their teeth and braces. Pack a bottle of water for them when they are going to school, and teach them how to rinse their mouths after every meal.

 

5. Engaging in dangerous activities

 

We all know how active these little children are, and we should ensure they realize how dangerous it is to play risky sports with their braces. For further precaution, you should invest in a mouthguard that helps prevent your child from getting hurt while playing. Talk to your dentist, who will recommend the best mouthguard for your child.

 

Conclusion

 

Investing in your child’s smile is quite essential. Braces work to straighten your child’s teeth and boost their self-confidence; therefore, you should make sure that they take great care of them.