Dental Hygienist Tips for Teens With Braces

For teenagers, getting braces is a significant step towards achieving a beautiful and healthy smile. However, maintaining proper oral hygiene while wearing braces can be a bit challenging. To ensure your teen’s dental health remains optimal during this time, it’s essential to follow some expert advice from a seasoned dental hygienist.

Here are some invaluable tips to help your teen care for their braces effectively.

Best Oral Hygiene Tips With Braces For Your Teen

Taking care of braces requires diligence and commitment to oral hygiene. As a parent or guardian, you can guide your teen through the following oral hygiene practices:

How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces?

Brushing teeth becomes more intricate with braces, but it’s crucial for preventing plaque buildup and maintaining healthy gums. Encourage your teen to brush after every meal, using a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to clean both the brackets and the teeth’s surfaces.

Utilizing fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen enamel and fight cavities.

Floss Once Daily: Flossing is essential for removing food particles and plaque from between teeth and braces. Teach your teen how to thread the floss under the wire and between each tooth gently.

Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, to ensure thorough cleaning.

Pay Attention To What You Eat: Certain foods can damage dental braces or get stuck, leading to complications. Advise your teen to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods like caramel, popcorn, nuts, and chewing gum.

Instead, opt for softer alternatives like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to minimize the risk of damaging braces.

Interproximal Brush to Clean Tight Spaces: Interproximal brushes are handy tools for cleaning between wires and brackets, reaching areas that traditional brushes can’t. Incorporate these brushes into your teen’s daily oral hygiene routine to ensure comprehensive cleaning and prevent plaque buildup.

Use Mouthwash: Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and keep the mouth fresh, especially in hard-to-reach areas around braces.

Choose a mouthwash recommended by your dentist and encourage your teen to use it after brushing and flossing for added protection against cavities and bad breath.

Follow Up With Regular Pediatric Dental Visits: Regular visits to the pediatric dentist are essential for monitoring your teen’s oral health and making any necessary adjustments to their braces.

These visits also provide an opportunity for professional cleaning and guidance on maintaining proper oral hygiene with braces.

Meet The Best Edinburg Dental Hygienist

For expert advice and personalized care for your teen’s braces, visit Dentist Montgomery. Our experienced dental hygienists are dedicated to helping teens achieve optimal oral health and a confident smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and embark on the journey to a brighter, healthier smile for your teen.

Ensuring your teen follows these dental hygienist tips for braces will not only promote oral health but also contribute to a smoother and more successful orthodontic treatment journey.

Remember, proper care and maintenance of braces are crucial for achieving the desired results and preserving overall dental health.