Braces are common for children and teenagers alike. Whether your kid is eight, eleven, fourteen, or seventeen, they’ll feel uncomfortable at first. Your child or teen may even feel self-conscious about their appearance. In this way, it is imperative to take care of them properly and to help keep your child’s spirits up during the process. Share the following tips with your child or teen so they properly take care of their braces.

1. Floss Properly

It is no excuse to skip flossing because of wearing braces. In fact, it is more important to correctly floss daily to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. You must floss daily in the space between your brackets. What will be the sense to wear braces to straighten your teeth but not floss to rid of food and debris between your teeth? People typically wear braces for about two years. Help your child start off their journey of wearing braces strong by getting into the best flossing habits early.

2. Use the Correct Toothbrush

The same logic applies to brushing. Using a proper type of toothbrush is also imperative to clean and maintain your teeth. The right kind of toothbrush makes for easier cleaning with less hassle. So, the right kind of toothbrush is one with a steady head that hardly moves when you brush your braces. Otherwise, a toothbrush for a child is great for your braces. This is because you will be able to brush more efficiently in the crevices of your teeth and braces. Also, it is usually softer for your teeth and braces than regular toothbrushes.

3. Thoroughly Brush

Not only should you brush your teeth with the right toothbrush, but you should also brush thoroughly. Dental professionals state that you should brush for two minutes. Also, you should brush the entirety of the inside of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. For younger children, be sure to remind them to brush after each meal. Using two-minute-long songs may be helpful as well so your child brushes for the proper amount of time.

4. Routinely Use Mouthwash

A good rinse after brushing your teeth and gums should also include a high-quality mouthwash. You should use mouthwash daily. If possible, you should use it between meals, too. Using mouthwash after brushing will significantly clean your teeth and gums compared to brushing alone. Plus, many types of mouthwash can help keep the inside of your mouth clean, help prevent cavities, and even help keep teeth white.

5. Carefully Listen to Your Orthodontist

Crooked, overlapping, overcrowded teeth, and “bad bites” are the common reasons that children and teens get braces, and it’s certainly not the most fun experience, either. Braces can be uncomfortable and make eating and talking difficult. Nevertheless, this discomfit is temporary. You should always consult your orthodontists about any concerns, pain, and questions you have.

Also, your orthodontist will inform you how to take proper care of your teeth. Thus, following your orthodontist to the tee will deliver you the best results. You must keep your appointments to make sure your progress is on point. Additionally, it is important to maintain routine dental appointments for good dental health. Since 150 days is the typical amount of time that it takes for a dental practice to be sold, make sure you have a backup dentist lined up in case your dentist decides to leave town unexpectedly.

6. Stay Positive

Properly taking care of your braces takes work. However, dedication will eventually pay off. It does not matter how much of a pain it is to constantly take care of your braces. It also does not matter how long your orthodontist’s treatment plan is. It’s worth it for the great appearance your child or teen will enjoy once the braces come off. So, stay positive, and help your kid through the process with ease.

So, talk to your child about adhering to the tips listed above. Also, please listen to your orthodontist’s advice. You will eventually take your braces off and have the perfect smile. Also, you will not risk having any teeth or gum diseases, which are usually more painful in dental treatments and costs. Therefore, make sure to strictly follow the tips above, and listen to your dental professional’s advice, too.