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
Three Tips To Help Your Child Adapt To Wearing Braces
Alfred Kelley
Some children take to braces knowing their smile will be better for it, but some children have trouble adapting to their braces. Helping a child through their time wearing braces is no small task. Knowing what you can do to help your child embrace their braces will help to make the journey smoother for you and your family.
Helping With Food Choices
One of the main limitations braces can impose is on your child's food choices. If you prepare dinner at home, you can help your child adhere to the dietary restrictions that braces can impose on them. You can prepare and offer alternatives to their favorite snacks if they aren't allowable while they have braces. You could even watch cooking videos together and select new favorite foods together.
Encouraging Proper Hygiene
The second limitation braces can place on a child is the amount of time they need to dedicate to oral hygiene. If your child has difficulty caring for their braces, it could lead to cavities and staining. You can make hygiene easier for your child by making it fun. With younger children, you may want to make caring for their braces a game. See who in your family can get their smile the cleanest. You could also make a custom oral hygiene kit with their favorite products and containers they choose themselves. Make sure they take the kit with them to school each day.
What To Do About Discomfort
Mouth tenderness can be a big issue when children have braces. Children's strength anti-inflammatory medication can help soothe your child's mouth. You can also have a stock of liquid foods on hand in your child's favorite flavors to help them eat while their mouth is tender.
Another discomfort that can occur is when your child's mouth may meet the brace material in a way that rubs against their mouth the wrong way. The tissues of the mouth can be very susceptible to abrasion. You can pick up some dental wax to press against the parts of the braces that are causing the irritation. This will help provide relief for your child until you can bring them to the orthodontist to get the braces adjusted.
If you need help encouraging your child to care for their braces, you may want to reach out to your orthodontist or pediatric dentistry specialist. They may be able to offer tips and tools that you may not otherwise have access to help your child manage their braces.
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