Your Child's Complete Guide to Good Oral Care with Braces

Practicing good oral hygiene is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves from tooth decay, gum disease, and the additional health risks that are associated with poor oral health. 

This is especially true for children, who are already vulnerable to developing one or more cavities throughout their childhood. It takes time for young children to perfect their oral hygiene techniques, and even more so when you throw braces into the mix.

The good news is that it’s possible to maintain healthy oral hygiene practices and habits while wearing braces. 

At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care and Orthodontics, our dentists Dr. Nathalie Phaeton, Dr. Ki Youn Kil, and our team offer a range of pediatric dentistry and orthodontic services at our office in Falls Church, Virginia.

How to brush and floss with braces

Braces can make it more challenging to brush and floss, but the same oral health principles still apply while your child receives orthodontic treatment. 

1. Rinse before brushing

Rinsing helps to dislodge food stuck between the teeth and in the braces. If your child’s braces have removable pieces like rubber bands, be sure to remove them before brushing and flossing.

2. Use a soft bristle or electric toothbrush 

The key to thoroughly brushing with braces is to take your time and use gentle, circular strokes at a 45 degree angle. Our team can recommend the best orthodontic tools to help your child with their oral hygiene.

3. Clean one tooth at a time

The brackets and wires from the braces can act as a trap for food particles and also make it more difficult to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums — but not impossible. Focus on cleaning one tooth at a time instead of using broad strokes across multiple teeth. 

Don’t rush through the process, and make sure that the brush and floss reach between each tooth and up to the gum line, as well as around the appliance on each tooth.

3. Develop a consistent routine

Brushing after meals and flossing at least once per day is especially important for children with braces. Encourage your child to be consistent, and brush and floss at the same time every day as much as possible to make the habit stick.

4. Be patient

It’ll take a little practice to get used to brushing with braces, but the process will become easier and less time consuming with time.

Our team is always available to answer questions and recommend the best brushing and flossing tools to help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy while they’re wearing braces.

Diet is also an important aspect of your child’s oral health care. They should avoid or limit eating sticky, hard food and candy, which can be difficult to clean off and potentially damage the braces. 

Drinking enough water is also important to keep food particles from solidifying and sticking to the teeth.

If your child plays contact sports, a mouthguard can help to protect their teeth as well as the braces.

For more information about protecting your child’s oral health and the orthodontic services we offer, contact us today to schedule an appointment.