Braces are an exciting step toward a straighter smile, but they also come with new challenges, especially when it comes to keeping those pearly whites clean. Many parents think that once their child has braces, visits to the orthodontist are enough. Not quite! Maintaining excellent oral hygiene in Highlands Ranch still means seeing your pediatric dentist in Highlands Ranch for regular cleanings and check-ups. Here’s why it matters more than ever.
Why Is Oral Hygiene Different with Braces?
Braces may work wonders for alignment, but they also create more places for plaque, food particles and bacteria to hide. Even kids with excellent brushing habits will find that brackets and wires make it harder to clean all surfaces of the teeth. Without proper care, this can lead to:
- Staining around brackets
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Early signs of decay or enamel wear
That’s why staying on top of oral hygiene is so important during orthodontic treatment.
Your Oral Hygiene Toolkit
To keep braces clean, your pre-teen will need more than just a regular toothbrush. Stock their dental toolkit with:
- An orthodontic toothbrush or electric toothbrush — Designed to clean around brackets
- Interdental brushes or proxy brushes — Perfect for getting between wires and teeth
- Floss threaders or water flossers — Makes flossing with braces much easier
- Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash — Help strengthen enamel and fight cavities
Consistency is key! Encourage brushing after meals and snacks, not just in the morning and at night.
Beyond the Orthodontist: Why Your Regular Dentist Is Still Important
Orthodontists are focused on how teeth move, but they don’t do full cleanings or manage cavities and gum health. That’s where your pediatric dentist comes in. We’ll:
- Perform thorough cleanings that get into hard-to-reach spots
- Monitor enamel health and gum condition during treatment
- Catch any early signs of decay or white spots around braces
- Encourage and advise on good brushing and flossing habits
Skipping dental checkups during braces can lead to preventable problems that slow down treatment, or worse, leave lasting damage when the braces come off.
Keeping Your Smile Healthy for the Big Reveal
The day your child gets their braces off should be one of celebration! Partnering with your pediatric dentist in Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch throughout treatment helps keep their smile on track. We work with them to make sure they don’t have discoloration, marks, or tooth decay after their treatment. However, we have post-orthodontic teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, and more to help with these concerns.
Call Our Dental Office Today!
Need to schedule a cleaning or checkup during orthodontic treatment? Call Sierk Children’s Dentistry today! We have two convenient locations: one in Castle Pines and one in Highlands Ranch, CO.