YOUR CHILDS DAILY LIFE WITH BRACES can be affected in many minor and unexpected ways. The best way to minimize any inconveniences is to help them be prepared by keeping a care kit handy anywhere they go. Several items should be in any braces care kit.
Water Bottle
Since cavities can set back the treatment timeline, one of the simplest ways for your child to fight back against oral health problems like cavities is to keep a water bottle with them. Water helps to increase the saliva flow, which is the first line of defense against enamel-eroding acids and harmful bacteria, as well as rinsing away food debris.
2. Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Suppose your child has metal braces; it's important to brush after each snack and meal to keep food debris from lingering and attracting harmful oral bacteria. Not doing so can lead to oral health issues and gum disease. Make brushing easy for your child by having them carry a travel tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush. Make sure they thoroughly dry off the toothbrush after using it and don't store it in an airtight container because it will get smelly and moldy if it can't dry out!
3. Flossers for Braces
Regular floss can be tricky to use with braces, and brushing isn't always enough to get every piece of stuck food. Thankfully, there are special floss picks made for navigating around braces and can help get around the wires and brackets to floss quickly and easily.
4. A Small Mirror
Brushing after every snack and meal will sometimes mean not brushing in a bathroom with a mirror. Adding a mirror to your child's kit will help ensure that they can check their work after brushing. Selfie mode on your phone also works!
5. Orthodontic Wax
Most people with braces will experience a poking wire or another part of the appliance rubbing uncomfortably against the inside of their cheeks during treatment, and having some orthodontic wax on hand to cover anything jabbing at your child can be a significant relief.
6. Extra Elastics
If your child's treatment includes elastics to help correct a bad bite, it's essential to follow the orthodontist's instructions on how long to wear them daily and how many to wear. If they lose an elastic or break one, it's good to keep some extras handy. However, resist the temptation to wear extra elastics! "More is better" is not true when it comes to orthodontic treatment and will probably create new problems that will take longer to fix on top of the original ones.
Show off Your Braces Care Kit!
The next time we see you, we'd love to check out your braces care kit.