Braces remain the gold standard when it comes to aligning teeth for kids of all ages. In pediatric dentistry, treating misalignment early is important. Early intervention with braces can prevent future problems down the line. There are some common braces problems that your kids may experience while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Here we outline several common issues and what you can do to cope with them.
Smelly Breath
Bad breath is a common problem for braces wearers. This happens mostly because bacteria or food particles get stuck in between teeth or brackets. One way to avoid having smelly breath is to improve your dental hygiene habits.
It can be difficult to brush and floss your teeth around braces. There are special techniques and tools that you can use to keep your teeth clean. Schedule an appointment with your dental hygienist or dentist to discuss the best ways to care for your teeth while wearing braces. They will have tips that you can use to make it easier to remove all of the bacteria and buildup from your teeth.
Broken Wires
While it shouldn’t happen often, it is possible that certain foods can cause a wire to break or to become loose. This can be uncomfortable, especially if an end of the broken wire rubs on the inside of your mouth. Putting a small piece of orthodontic wax on the broken wire can limit the discomfort. It is also important to call your pediatric dentist or orthodontist right away so that it can be repaired.
Loose Brackets
At some point while wearing braces, you will likely experience a loose bracket. When this happens, it is important to call your pediatric dentist or orthodontist to repair the loose bracket. Until you are able to be seen by a dental professional, you can put dental wax around the loose bracket to keep it in place until your dentist fixes it.
Increased Cavity Risk
Because of how difficult it can be to clean your teeth while wearing braces, especially at first, you may experience an increased risk for developing cavities. With proper dental care and oral hygiene habits, this risk can be fairly minimal. To prevent any long term issues, seeing your dentist regularly after braces are removed is critical. This way any minor cavities can be repaired immediately.
For most patients, the results of using braces are worth any minor discomfort or hassle that may take place during the process. By maintaining impeccable oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular orthodontic appointments, many of these common problems can be avoided. If you have any questions about braces, be sure to discuss your concerns with your child’s dentist.
Ready to Get Started?
If you have questions about pediatric dentistry or the process of having braces, contact Savannah Dental Solutions today at (912) 354-1366 to reach a reliable children’s dentist in Savannah, GA. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will guide you through the entire process and answer all of your questions about your child’s braces.
