2 Things Your Child Will Need After Getting Braces
While orthodontists install and maintain braces on teeth, kids with braces must still go to the dentist regularly to have their teeth examined and cleaned. Keeping teeth clean with braces can be somewhat challenging, but it is important if your child wants to have healthy and straight teeth. Here are two things you might want to buy for your child that will be helpful for keeping his or her teeth clean while wearing braces.
An interdental toothbrush
While your child should continue brushing his or her teeth twice daily with a regular toothbrush, your child will be able to keep teeth even cleaner by using an interdental toothbrush. This type of toothbrush is very different from a regular toothbrush and is not meant to replace a regular toothbrush. Instead, it is designed to supplement brushing by offering a way to reach areas that a regular toothbrush might not have access to.
The best type to purchase for a child with braces is one that has thin, narrow bristles. This will make it easier for your child to reach areas behind the braces, which will help your child's teeth stay healthier.
Floss threader
A floss threader is a device that is used to floss teeth in a way that is slightly different from the standard way of flossing. To use one, you will have to place regular floss in the device before using it each day. While using a floss threader is a little challenging to use and requires a little more work than the regular method, it will help your child clean areas that he or she will not be able to reach with a toothbrush or an interdental toothbrush. With a little effort, your child will figure out how to use a floss threader correctly, and they should use it daily for the best results.
Another item you could also consider investing in is a water flosser. This is a device that flosses teeth with pressurized water. To use this, you must fill up the reservoir with water and turn the device on. You can then spray the water out of the device and onto the teeth and braces. This is a great supplemental tool to have for a child with braces.
If your child is about to get braces, it might be wise to invest in some of these items so your child's teeth can stay healthy and strong. To learn more, contact a dentist like those at Pike Dentistry.
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