3 Things To Know When Your Child Gets Their Braces

When your child gets braces, there are many things you can do to help your child through the experience. The first step is knowing what to expect. Your child’s orthodontist in Bethesda and Laurel, MD, can help you by teaching you about the process and giving you tips.

At Heller Orthodontics , we help our patients through the entire process of getting braces. Below are some of the things you should know about the braces experience.

1. How to Maintain Braces

Your child will need to take steps to take care of their braces. Here are some steps your child should take every day.

• Your child should brush their teeth after every meal and snack. Give your child toothpaste and a toothbrush to bring to school.
• Your child should floss between their teeth with a special tool called a floss threader. Get them a floss threader from the local pharmacy.
• Your child should continue the habit of brushing their teeth at the beginning of every day and before they go to bed.

2. What Your Child Can Eat

Your child should not eat crunchy, hard foods while they have braces. Hard, crusty breads, hard nuts like almonds, and hard candy are all examples of the types of food your child should avoid.

Get a list of foods that your child should avoid, and keep this in mind when serving meals. Your child should also avoid sticky foods that could stick to your child’s braces, such as caramel.

3. Will Your Child Be Uncomfortable?

Getting braces installed is not uncomfortable, but your child may have some discomfort after the braces are in place. Your child’s orthodontist may recommend over-the-counter pain medications.

The discomfort should go away as your child’s mouth adjusts. Do you have more questions about braces in Bethesda and Laurel MD? Call today to speak to one of our professionals.