Tips For Tooth Hygiene for Kids With Braces

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If you have a youngster in the house with braces in Omaha, NE, you probably already have an idea of how hard it can be to get them to take extra care with their oral hygiene. Getting kids to brush and floss is difficult enough, but with braces, even more, effort is needed to ensure oral hygiene. Here are some smart and fun tips to support oral hygiene for kids with braces.

Make Bad Foods Unavailable

This is a good time to clean out the snack drawer. Fruit rollups and bubble gum don’t miss well with braces. Consult with your dentist about smart, readily available snack ideas that won’t sabotage your child’s oral health.

Gift a Fancy Toothbrush

Invest in an electric or battery-operated toothbrush and wrap it up as a gift for your child. They’ll love getting an unexpected present and enjoy using this fun alternative to standard toothbrushes. It will likely make them want to brush their teeth more often, so they can use the device.

Invest in Some Fun Books About Braces

Give your child a few books about kids who wear braces. These fun and educational books let your child know they aren’t the only one wearing braces and gently remind them about the importance of oral hygiene.

Use Positive Reinforcement

If your child is younger, they might respond well to positive reinforcement, such as a calendar where they get a sticker for every day they brush after each meal, or a point accumulation system, where they can exchange earned points for a reward, such as a day out to a fun park, or something else.

If you have questions about early orthodontic treatment in Omaha, NE, or you’d like to book an appointment for your child to see an orthodontist, please get in touch with us today!

Preserving Your Child’s Smile Through Dental Sealants

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Usually around the age of six years old, dental sealants become an option for your child. Your pediatric dentist in Omaha, NE, will begin recommending sealants as soon as your child gets their first molars.

What Are Dental Sealants?

A dental sealant is a thin coating that your dentist applies to the top of the back molars. This coating seals the cracks and crevices in the tooth and helps prevent cavities for up to four years after application.

What Is the Material Used in Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are made from liquid resin, which is a type of plastic. This resin is enamel-colored, so it’s practically invisible, once applied to the tooth.

Will Dental Sealants Make a Big Difference to My Child’s Oral Health?

Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental sealants can prevent the formation of 80 percent of cavities during the first two years after application. Additionally, school children between the ages of 6 and 11 who had sealants developed three times fewer cavities than those who didn’t.

Do Dental Sealants Last Forever?

No. Dental sealants are helpful in preventing cavities for up to four years. Your child’s dentist may recommend the application of dental sealants around the ages of 6 and 12, after the growth of the first and second set of molars.

Is the Dental Sealant Process Painful?

Not at all. Dental sealants are completely painless. Usually, your child’s dentist lightly etches the tooth surface by using a special solution. They then paint the thin coating onto the tooth using an instrument that looks like a paint brush. Last, they use a special light to dry the sealant, causing it to harden. The whole process can be done in a single visit.

If your child is ready for dental sealants in Omaha, NE, or if you have questions regarding this common procedure, we invite you to call Pedodontics, PC, today.