Get Their Braces Off Faster: 3 Tips for Parents
If you’re a parent to a child with braces, you’ve seen the struggles firsthand: Braces make it difficult to speak, eat, and take care of teeth. A brace-wearer’s daily dental routine requires patience and consistency. Even though proper care can be a pain, it’s crucial if kids want to get rid of their wires.
Here are 3 tips to help your teen or tween get their braces off – and as soon as possible:
1. Break bad habits.
Common reasons for loose or broken brackets include fingernail biting, chewing on pencils or pens, and eating sticky snacks. Remember: the more kids damage their braces; the longer they have to wear them. Help your children break bad oral habits and their smile will benefit.
2. Eat soft and small.
The truth is, biting and braces just don’t mix. Hard foods are tough on teeth and tend to get stuck between braces. Loose food particles can create bacteria and can eventually turn into plaque. Hard foods aren’t completely off-limits, however. Remind teens to cut them into bite-sized pieces and brush afterwards.
Stick to soft staples as much as possible. If crunchy snacks like crackers and apples are some of your child’s favorite flavors, make hard favorites soft. Top a casserole with crumbled crackers or bake homemade apple bread.
3. Don’t take shortcuts.
Remind kids why their teeth routine is crucial. If they follow the rules, a brace-free smile is in their future! Make sure they:
• Keep elastics on (except during meals and snacks).
• Brush and floss thoroughly.
• Don’t skip appointments – they will pay off soon!
Comments
Related stories
-
Hockey Smile Safety: 3 Ways to Encourage Kids to Wear Mouthguards
Between the thrills and fears, hockey parents’ feelings go head-to-head. From the excitement of a slap shot … Read More
-
8 Ways to Drink 8 Glasses of Water
Water is essential. It comprises 70% of the Earth’s surface, and without it, we wouldn’t exist. Every … Read More
-
2014’s Top Teeth Moments [INFOGRAPHIC]
2014 is coming to a close – we’re only a few short days away from the New … Read More
Sign Up Now
Tweets
Poll

Most Liked
- 1 Do Expiration Dates on Dental Products Matter? 278 Likes
- 2 Is Activated Charcoal Safe for your Smile? 153 Likes
- 3 Crazy and Cool Fish Teeth Facts 65 Likes
- 4 Recipe: Quick Pumpkin Pudding 47 Likes
- 5 Bad Taste After Brushing? Common Explanations 31 Likes
- 6 Own Your Oral Health: Subscribe now for tips to ensure a bright smile 27 Likes
- 7 Colds and Oral Health 26 Likes
- 8 Why Do Cavities Hurt? 20 Likes
- 9 Safely Using Colored Contacts 16 Likes
- 10 Why You Might Think Twice Before Eating Too Much Ice Cream 15 Likes
Most Commented