I work as a clerical assistant in a pediatric dental office, and I am commonly surprised by the number of children who are scared of the dentist. Many kids think that cleanings will be painful, and they believe they will be scolded for eating sugary foods. Children are also extremely frightful of the noises made by the water spraying tools and the suction devices. As adults, we know that dental cleanings are easy and free of pain. We need to impart this knowledge to our children so they know not to fear the dentist. I have provided blogs that will help you speak with your child about dental care. Good communication, trips to your own dentist, and online videos can assist you. So will good brushing techniques that will make your child proud to see the dentist. Enjoy my articles so you can help your child build oral care confidence.
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Teaching Your Children About the Dentist
Considering Braces For Your Teen? Debunking 4 Common Myths Regarding Braces
Alfred Kelley
From traditional metal or clear braces to orthodontic aligners, there are many treatment options available to restore crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. Unfortunately, a large portion of people worry that braces are not ideal for their dental needs or their lifestyle. Considering many already struggle with self-esteem issues, your teen may not want to wear braces to repair their teeth or bite. Assuring your teen that orthodontic treatment is essential for the health and appearance of their smile is helpful. However, debunking a few common myths about braces will also be beneficial. With this guide, you can debunk a few common myths your teen may have about wearing braces.
Braces Are Painful
One of the most common misconceptions about braces is that they are painful. Fortunately, this is not true.
During the process of applying the braces, you may experience some pressure. This pressure may continue for a few hours after the initial installation, but it will progressively decrease. In addition, you may feel the tightness and light discomfort each time your orthodontist adjusts your braces. This will occur every few weeks, depending on your specific needs.
Pressure and tightness in and around the teeth and jaw will subside quickly. Although it can be uncomfortable for a period of time, wearing braces will never be painful.
You Can't Play Sports
Your teenager may also worry they will not be able to play sports or participate in their physical extracurricular activities while wearing braces. Again, you should reassure your teen that this is another myth they do not need to worry about.
Whether a person wears braces or not, they should protect their mouth while playing sports. Wearing a mouth guard is imperative, especially if you play a high-contact sport such as football, wrestling, or boxing.
Mouth guards should also be worn in any activity where contact to the mouth is possible. These guards are comfortable to wear, easy to remove, and will protect the mouth, teeth, and braces from any damage due to excessive force.
You Can't Kiss with Braces
Your teen may not want to talk with you about kissing, but they could worry that they will not be able to kiss while wearing braces.
Your teen's braces will not interfere with their ability to kiss, whether a quick kiss on the lips or a more involved kissing using their entire mouth. Rubbing the braces onto another person's braces while kissing can increase the risk of damage, so it is important to reduce contact between two sets of braces.
Although you probably do not want to hear this, your teen can kiss like normal while wearing braces.
You Will Set Off Metal Detectors and Get Struck By Lightning
You and your teen may worry about having a mouth full of metal, causing the metal detector alarms to go off. Fortunately, this is another myth that is easily debunked.
The metal used in traditional braces is not the same type of metal that most people believe. The braces are constructed out of metal alloys that are not magnetic, meaning the braces will not set metal detectors off.
The odds of experiencing a lightning strike are 1 in 500,000, but wearing braces does not increase these odds. Spending an excessive amount of time outdoors for work or recreation and living in certain parts of the country, such as Florida and Texas, can increase the risk of a lightning strike.
Braces can repair your teenager's crooked smile and underlying bite without negatively affecting their life. Use this guide to help debunk a few common myths your teen may believe about braces. Check out sites like http://www.kazorthodontics.com if you want more information.
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