4 Tips To Help Your Child Adjust To Braces
Posted on: 13 October 2018
If your child has misaligned teeth, he or she may be a good candidate for braces. This orthodontic treatment can help improve the appearance of your child's smile and boost his or her self-confidence. However, wearing braces isn't always a walk in the park. It can take a while for your child to get used to wearing them.
Here are some different ways to help your child adjust to braces.
Be Empathetic About Your Child's Concerns
Your child may feel uneasy about wearing braces in the beginning. For example, he or she may worry about getting teased by other kids. It's important to always listen to your child's concerns and offer words of encouragement. Make your child aware that many other children have or will wear braces in the future and that it's nothing to be ashamed of.
If your child has been getting teased a lot by a peer at school, speak to his or her parents or the school.
Encourage Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing becomes more difficult with braces. Your child may get tired of spending more time cleaning between the brackets and neglect his or her oral hygiene. Don't let this happen. Remind your child that good oral hygiene is essential because it prevent cavities and other dental health issues.
If you buy your child an electric toothbrush and Waterpik, it will make it a little easier for your little one to brush his or her teeth. Don't hesitate to stand there and supervise your child until he or she gets the hang of it.
Prepare Brace-Friendly Foods
Wearing braces makes it more difficult to eat chewy and hard foods. That's why you should prepare softer foods for your child at mealtimes, such as rice, mashed potatoes and pasta. These foods are easy to chew and won't cause any discomfort.
Stock Up on Orthodontic Wax
As your child gets used to wearing braces, the brackets can irritate his or her gum tissue. One way to alleviate the discomfort is to apply orthodontic wax on the part of the bracket that's causing issues. Give your child some orthodontic wax when he or she goes to school. If your child feels discomfort, he or she can fix it easily.
If you follow these tips, you can help your child get used to braces a lot faster. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to contact a childrens orthodontist.
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