An important part of your child’s braces treatment is caring for the brackets and wires in their mouth. Food can get stuck more easily in the new nooks and crannies, which increase their risk of cavities and other oral health issues. While it might be easier for your loved one to clean these spaces at home, they will need to do it at school and elsewhere. A braces kit can be helpful in these situations, so here are four things to pack.
A Travel Toothbrush
Your child needs to brush after every meal, so having a travel-sized toothbrush with a small tube of fluoride toothpaste can be great to have on hand. After they finish lunch, they can excuse themself to the bathroom and scrub any particles left behind. That way, they don’t worry about anything stuck in their smile for the rest of the day.
Dental Floss and Threaders
Just like brushing, flossing is a crucial part of protecting your loved one’s smile. This step allows them to remove bacteria in places their toothbrush can’t reach. That said, sliding floss in the usual way is tricky with braces, so make sure you give them threaders as well. These tools are designed for patients with this hardware; that way, they can do this habit more easily.
Interdental Brushes
A great quick way to get debris between teeth and brackets is with interdental brushes. They are cone-shaped, so they slip under wires and into tight spaces with ease. Better yet, they are small, so your child can have some in their pocket as a quick solution for a stuck morsel.
Orthodontic Wax
Especially when first starting braces, the hardware can rub and irritate the inside of your loved one’s cheek, tongue, and lip. Orthodontic wax will come in handy in these situations. It’s applied over problem areas as a protective barrier to relieve this type of pain.
In the end, listen to what your child says they are struggling with. If their lips are always dry, add some lip balm. Over-the-counter pain medication can be helpful, but ensure they are allowed to have it during school, or talk to the nurse about what they can do. Regardless, building the right kit can go a long way in helping your loved one have a more comfortable journey.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rullo earned his dental degree from Western University in London, Ontario, and his Pediatric Dental Residency in Ohio. He is dedicated to helping kids and teens in Hamilton correct their misalignment and malocclusion with braces. By staying at your loved one’s side throughout their treatment, they can understand how to avoid delays, and you can get more advice on how to help them throughout. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Rullo’s office at 905-525-8272.