How to Help Your Teen Take Care of Their Braces?

Braces are a huge step towards achieving a healthy, straight smile. But for teens, adjusting to the existence of braces in their daily life can be difficult. As the parent, you can help ease this adjustment into their life. You can help them build a new routine and encourage new and healthy habits, and help make their journey successful.

Below are some ways your teen can take care of their braces in Wheeling, IL, or elsewhere.

1. Encourage Good Brushing Habits

With braces, food gets stuck easily. And if their hygiene isn't proper, you can potentially create plaque in between the teeth, which can lead to cavities. Teach your teen to brush after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remind them to pay close attention to the brackets and wires and to spend time brushing those areas.

Make sure they are using fluoride toothpaste. It helps protect enamel and keeps teeth healthy and strong while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

2. Help Them Floss Correctly

Flossing with braces isn't easy, but it's important. You can purchase specialised flossers or orthodontic floss threaders to make it easier. You can even get your teen a water flosser, which is faster and is much more comfortable for some people with braces.

Encourage your teen to floss at least once a day, no matter how long it takes. It doesn't take much effort, and it prevents bigger issues down the line.

3. Watch What They Eat

Sticky, chewy, and crunchy items are a major concern, particularly gum, popcorn, caramel, and hard candies, as they can break brackets and wires. Even biting into apples or raw carrots will cause issues with braces.

Fill the fridge with braces-friendly snacks like yoghurt, bananas, pasta, and smoothies. Remind the teenager to cut food into smaller pieces and chew with their back teeth.

4. Support Regular Orthodontic Visits

Don't let your teen skip any check-ups. These visits give the orthodontist in Wheeling, IL, a chance to see how they’re doing and make any needed changes. If their teeth are sore after an appointment, help them with soft foods and encourage them to rinse with warm salt water.

You'll want to have some orthodontic wax at home, too, as it can help with discomfort from failed brackets or wires.

5. Motivate and Reassure Them

Teenagers may feel self-conscious about braces. Compliment their efforts and remind them that this is just a short phase with a long-term reward. You can even create a reward system, like a small treat for a week of great brushing or flossing.

Let them know it’s okay to ask questions and talk about how they feel. Open communication can ease their stress and help them stick to good habits.

Conclusion

Helping your teen care for their braces will require patience, consistency, and teamwork. Establishing a good routine and providing support for healthy habits is a great way to promote better oral health practices for a lifetime.

If your teen is just beginning their braces journey and you are seeking a qualified provider, providers of braces in Wheeling, IL, will have experienced providers who help support both teens and parents. Quality orthodontic care will facilitate the brace's journey from the first fitting to final removal.

With your support and the right orthodontic team, your teen's smile has the potential to shine brighter than ever.