5 Ways To Prepare Your Child For Braces
It’s normal for children to be uneasy and anxious when making their first dental appointment. As a parent, you should expect many questions during this period. Is it painful? How long will it take? What do braces feel like? Will it affect their eating habit?
When talking to your child about orthodontic treatments, the objective is to make them confident and calm. Here are some useful tips from dentists in Maroubra on how to keep your child at ease before they get braces.
Discuss Treatment Options
There are several methods used in applying dental braces to children. For this reason, you need to consult your dentist so that they advise on the best treatment option for your little one.
In most cases, dentists recommend metal braces because of their cost-effectiveness and reliability. Moreover, they straighten teeth and are available in multiple colours.
Discussing these options with your child is important, as it familiarises them with the process.
Establish Basic Expectations
Always ensure that your child knows what to expect when they visit the dentist. This particularly applies to kids who are making a first-time orthodontic appointment.
That said, you can reassure your youngster that braces are useful and a common procedure. Reiterate that the procedure is painless and lasts a few minutes. Although the braces might feel uncomfortable for the first few weeks, the discomfort wanes after some time.
Work On an Oral Hygiene Routine
Ideally, your child should brush teeth at least two times daily, for at least three minutes on every session. Keep in mind that flossing becomes more challenging when you fit braces, so your gums need more attention.
Additionally, ensure that your child rinses their mouth with a lot of water after every meal. This helps in removing foods that get stuck between teeth after eating. Remember to pack a toothbrush in their backpacks as they go to school.
Ensure They Eat Soft Foods
While the process of fitting braces isn’t painful, the light pressure that they apply on the jawline might cause some discomfort. This is why it is best to cook soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, pasta, and rice, at least for the first few weeks after the procedure. Chilled foods are also useful in soothing sore gums, so ensure that your fridge is stocked as your child heals.
Conclusion
Braces are useful in improving your child’s teeth alignment. With the tips mentioned above, you can ease the fears associated with fitting braces and keep your kid’s oral health in top shape. At Dental Avenue, we care about your family’s oral health. Give us a free call on 13000-315-540 and we will advise accordingly.
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