Good Oral Hygiene: National Children’s Dental Health Month

Oral hygiene for kids is usually a concern for a lot of parents, especially when their kids have braces on. Kids spend almost 6 hours at a school, and they participate in numerous activities throughout the year. And at this age, they’re super thrilled to take up new tasks or play a new sport. They may even enjoy candies and sodas while they head back home. But little do they know how much it’s affecting their baby teeth when they have braces on. This February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! So take a pledge with your child to get rid of those nasties that love to hide inside your mouth. Koch Orthodontics is dedicated to encouraging good oral hygiene for kids. And they believe that early orthodontic treatment can address issues that may continue to develop and worsen over time. Before you head over to us, make sure your sticky notes read the below important to-dos!

Tips to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene for Kids

1. Brushing – Brushing with braces requires some extra effort. Use a dab of toothpaste on your toothbrush and you’re ready to get started. Make sure to get the tops, the fronts, and the back of your teeth. Plaque loves to hide especially if you have kids with braces. Brushing in a circular motion helps your toothbrush get into all of the plaque’s favorite hiding spots.

2. Flossing – When you floss your teeth, make sure to get all the way into your gums. And plaque loves to hide up there too. Good oral care requires must include flossing!

3. Rinsing – Make sure to finish with a rinse. You don’t want to swallow any toothpaste or you could get a stomach ache.

4. Mouthwash – Finally, finish with a mouthwash. Mouthwash with fluoride in it can help make your teeth stronger. Swish the mouthwash for around 30 seconds, and then make sure you spit it all out. Just like toothpaste, mouthwash can give you a stomach ache if you swallow it. So make sure you spit it out.

Here Are Some Possible Dental Issues for Kids With Braces:

1. Gum Disease – The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. But is there a connection between braces and gingivitis? There certainly is a strong relationship between the occurrence of gingivitis and oral hygiene! The first thing to look out for kids with braces is to visit the dentist. They can recommend a treatment that will help combat the problem. Your child may require a dental cleaning of plaque and tartar on the teeth. And remember, poor nutrition and poor oral hygiene have a big role to play!

In cases where Gingivitis is not identified and treated, it can lead to Periodontitis, a later stage of gum disease. Periodontitis includes infection and inflammation of the gums. This gradually spreads to the ligaments and bones that assist the teeth. The gums begin to expand, forming gaps or pockets between your teeth to allow significant plaque accumulation.

2. Cavities – Oral hygiene with braces can be demanding. And this is when you’re at an increased risk of getting cavities. Cavities when not treated can eventually lead to tooth decay, so check your child’s teeth regularly.

3. Decalcifications – Decalcifications that are commonly known as “white spots” are lasting stain marks around your braces. And before you allow them to permanently paint your teeth, make sure you brush well!

Good oral hygiene doesn’t require too much effort. And the above tips are just basic steps to keep your child’s teeth healthy and happy.

If you’re looking for an experienced and friendly orthodontist for kids in Lawrenceville, book an appointment with Koch Orthodontist today to create a new smile you always wanted for your child.