Think Oral Hygiene is Tough With Braces? Think Again!
Orthodontist offers tips for establishing good oral hygiene habits in kids with braces
Millions of teens have either had braces or currently have them. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist at the first sign of an orthodontic problem, but no later than the age of 7. A common issue that parents deal with when their kids have braces is how to get them to practice good oral hygiene habits. Many of them struggle with trying to get their kids to properly care for their teeth and braces. The good news is that there are things that parents can do to help create good oral hygiene habits in their kids.
“The biggest complaint that parents have is that their child doesn’t keep their teeth and braces clean,” explains Dr. Michael Florman, a Los Angeles-based orthodontist and the chief executive officer of EverSmile, Inc. “It’s important to combat this issue to avoid problems. Getting braces on a child is an investment in their physical and emotional health, and you don’t want that to be jeopardized by poor oral hygiene habits.”
One of the top concerns for parents who have kids with braces is the white spots that they can get on their teeth. According to a study published in the journal Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, the white spot lesions are decalcification of enamel. Their study reports that the most important measure one can take to avoid these white lesions is to have good oral hygiene. In other words, the white spot lesions are 100% preventable and all it takes to prevent them is having good oral hygiene.
So just how do parents go about motivating there are kids to maintain good oral hygiene habits? Here are 5 tips for establishing healthy oral hygiene habits in kids with braces:
- Create an oral hygiene schedule. Make it as important a priority as their violin lessons or sports practices. Schedule it each day for a few weeks, which will help them establish the habit and lay the foundation to continue doing it going forward.
- Help them determine if they are doing a good job. Have them take a toothpick and run the point around the gum line, braces, and in-between the teeth, gathering up the plaque and testing if the teeth are cleaned. The bunched-up plaque will look like mashed potatoes with a white to yellow color. Use plaque-disclosing solutions or tablets to highlight the plaque, allowing children to see where the plaque is located. This is fun for kids because the plaque on their teeth will change color, but this also makes it clear where they are missing when brushing. Seeing the plaque for themselves, they will know if their brushing needs improvement.
- Invest in a light-up makeup mirror. This will help make it easier for kids to see what they are doing when brushing. Use a portable, adjustable mirror so that your child can easily watch themselves brushing each night.
- Skip the toothpaste for better results. When removing plaque, it is best to do so with no toothpaste on the brush. Toothpaste foams up and makes it impossible to see anything going on in the mouth. First brush with water only, removing all the visible plaque, then brush with toothpaste to deliver the fluoride contained within. Toothpaste is really only needed for breath freshening and medicament delivery (fluoride). Don’t forget to have your kids floss. Flossing with braces is easy when using floss threaders, such as the Glide Threaders.
- Choose helpful products. Take advantage of products that are designed to help with oral hygiene with braces, such as the new product called EverSmile OrthoFoam. OrthoFoam is a patented hydrogen peroxide, anionic cleaning formula for braces and teeth that removes plaque by breaking it down. OrthoFoam can be used three different ways: 1. As a foaming rinse in conjunction with brushing, 2. As an add-on “brushing booster” used alone or with your regular toothpaste, or 3. Applied to teeth in custom or stock dental trays which is the most effective method.
“Taking the time to teach kids with braces to have good oral hygiene habits is going to be time well-invested,” added Dr. Florman. “Their teeth will be in top shape when the braces come off and they will have a foundation of healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Give it the time and attention and you will see the world of difference that it makes.
EverSmile has created a line of products that will help those with braces, aligners, and retainers keep their devices clean. At the same time, they will be able to clean their aligners, whiten their teeth, and freshen their breath. The products are now available in 3,800 CVS stores around the nation. The line of products includes EverSmile WhiteFoam, which gently cleans aligners or trays, EverSmile OrthoFoam, which cleans under and over braces, and EverSmile WhitenFresh, which is a freshening and tooth whitening spray that kills bacteria that causes bad breath and tooth decay.
EverSmile products use patent pending EverClean™ technology which cleans and whitens using proprietary surfactants, solvents, and hydrogen peroxide. It breaks up organic stain particles that discolor the teeth and dental appliances.
Dr. Florman, who practices in Los Angeles, is considered to be one of the top Invisalign providers in the country and has over 25 years of consulting experience for oral care companies including for Colgate, Arm & Hammer, and others. Dr. Florman has invented multiple dental products and Triana, an entrepreneur, has brought several products from inception to commercial success. For more information about the company and products, visit their site at eversmilewhite.com.
About EverSmile
Located in Los Angeles, EverSmile’s mission is to create new and advanced oral care products that will change patients’ lives. Currently in development are our new sensitivity-free whitening agents, dry mouth formulations, low-abrasion toothpastes, and a complete children’s dental line. For more information about the company and products, visit their site at: eversmilewhite.com.
Related Articles
-
How to Tell if It's Time to Replace a Retainer
Retainers play an essential role in your post-orthodontic treatment plan. They help keep your teeth straight, maintaining the smile you invested in. Your orthodontist will likely recommend you wear a retainer for life because teeth are prone to shifting. Retainers usually only last a few...
Read More -
Why Does Having Straight Teeth Matter? 12 Health Benefits of Straight Teeth
If you're one of 81% of adults that think their teeth are unattractive when they see them in photographs, it might feel good to know you're not alone. But it still doesn't change how you feel. Many adults are self-conscious about their smiles because they don't...
Read More -
Breakdown of the Different Clear Aligner and Retainer Materials
Confidence begins with a smile. If you look in the mirror and aren't happy with your smile, now's the perfect time to change it! Clear aligners and retainers are more accessible and affordable than ever before. They straighten your teeth over time while being discreet...
Read More -
What's the Difference Between Clear Aligners and Retainers?
On the surface, aligners and retainers seem pretty similar. Both are made of clear plastic and used for orthodontic treatment. However, they have two different goals — aligners are meant to move your teeth into new positions, while retainers keep your teeth in their final...
Read More -
How to Clean ClearCorrect Aligners
Aligners are excellent alternatives to traditional wire braces. They discreetly straighten your smile, allow you to maintain your oral health more easily, and don't come with any food or drink restrictions. Because ClearCorrect aligners stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day,...
Read More -
Aligner Guide for New Users: Everything You Need to Know as a New Aligner Wearer
Clear aligners have emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional braces. Brands such as Invisalign offer the benefits of straighter teeth with the addition of a discreet appearance to fit any lifestyle. You can enjoy more freedom when wearing clear aligners, and you can smile...
Read More -
14 Tips for a Healthier Smile
A smile is often one of the first things people notice about us, and many people take great pride in having an attractive smile. However, the importance of having a healthy smile goes beyond mere appearances. The health of our teeth and gums is directly tied...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces
The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...
Read More -
12 Tips for New Invisalign Users
Welcome to the world of Invisalign aligners! You've taken the next step toward straighter teeth and a more confident smile by subscribing to Invisalign treatment. But this is only the beginning. You'll be spending the next several months to a year wearing your aligners, and...
Read More -
How to Brush Your Teeth With Aligners
Clear aligners are convenient and discreet ways to help straighten your smile. You can remove them whenever you need to, and they're more comfortable than traditional metal braces. It's essential to take care of your teeth, and while making sure they're straight is one way...
Read More -
The Facts on Funk: Why Is My Clear Aligner Yellow?
You got clear aligners so that no one would notice them, but your invisible aligners are only invisible if they stay clear. Many things can stain your aligners or lead to your retainer turning yellow. Certain foods, such as dark-colored berries or sugary chocolates can lead...
Read More -
Navigating Contact Sports and Aligners
As an athlete, you have a lot on your mind when you're on the field or court. You're thinking about your opponent's next move, memorizing plays and doing everything you can to win. You don't want your teeth or aligners taking up valuable thought space...
Read More -
The Science Behind Teeth Movement
Many people experience a moment where they notice something new about their physical appearance. This is especially true with teeth. You could smile at yourself in the mirror and realize that things are different than they were last time you checked. "Was that gap always...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell
As a user of clear plastic aligners, you care about your teeth, and you want your smile to look great. The clear plastic makes the process discreet so you can wear your aligners with confidence while hanging out with friends and family or meeting people...
Read More -
Why Do Aligners and Retainers Get Holes?
You wear your aligners almost all day, so it's not surprising that they can become damaged. But, why do aligners and retainers get holes and other damage? There are a few different ways this can happen. Take a look at the guide below to learn...
Read More -
Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?
If you've ever looked at your smile in the mirror and noticed misaligned teeth, you've probably wondered why teeth come in crooked. Is there any way to correct this issue? Luckily, you have a few options for fixing your smile, but there are even more...
Read More -
How to Tell if It's Time to Replace a Retainer
Retainers play an essential role in your post-orthodontic treatment plan. They help keep your teeth straight, maintaining the smile you invested in. Your orthodontist will likely recommend you wear a retainer for life because teeth are prone to shifting. Retainers usually only last a few...
Read More -
Why Does Having Straight Teeth Matter? 12 Health Benefits of Straight Teeth
If you're one of 81% of adults that think their teeth are unattractive when they see them in photographs, it might feel good to know you're not alone. But it still doesn't change how you feel. Many adults are self-conscious about their smiles because they don't...
Read More -
What's the Difference Between Clear Aligners and Retainers?
On the surface, aligners and retainers seem pretty similar. Both are made of clear plastic and used for orthodontic treatment. However, they have two different goals — aligners are meant to move your teeth into new positions, while retainers keep your teeth in their final...
Read More -
14 Tips for a Healthier Smile
A smile is often one of the first things people notice about us, and many people take great pride in having an attractive smile. However, the importance of having a healthy smile goes beyond mere appearances. The health of our teeth and gums is directly tied...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces
The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...
Read More -
The Science Behind Teeth Movement
Many people experience a moment where they notice something new about their physical appearance. This is especially true with teeth. You could smile at yourself in the mirror and realize that things are different than they were last time you checked. "Was that gap always...
Read More -
Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?
If you've ever looked at your smile in the mirror and noticed misaligned teeth, you've probably wondered why teeth come in crooked. Is there any way to correct this issue? Luckily, you have a few options for fixing your smile, but there are even more...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces
The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...
Read More -
Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?
If you've ever looked at your smile in the mirror and noticed misaligned teeth, you've probably wondered why teeth come in crooked. Is there any way to correct this issue? Luckily, you have a few options for fixing your smile, but there are even more...
Read More -
How to Tell if It's Time to Replace a Retainer
Retainers play an essential role in your post-orthodontic treatment plan. They help keep your teeth straight, maintaining the smile you invested in. Your orthodontist will likely recommend you wear a retainer for life because teeth are prone to shifting. Retainers usually only last a few...
Read More -
Why Does Having Straight Teeth Matter? 12 Health Benefits of Straight Teeth
If you're one of 81% of adults that think their teeth are unattractive when they see them in photographs, it might feel good to know you're not alone. But it still doesn't change how you feel. Many adults are self-conscious about their smiles because they don't...
Read More -
Breakdown of the Different Clear Aligner and Retainer Materials
Confidence begins with a smile. If you look in the mirror and aren't happy with your smile, now's the perfect time to change it! Clear aligners and retainers are more accessible and affordable than ever before. They straighten your teeth over time while being discreet...
Read More -
What's the Difference Between Clear Aligners and Retainers?
On the surface, aligners and retainers seem pretty similar. Both are made of clear plastic and used for orthodontic treatment. However, they have two different goals — aligners are meant to move your teeth into new positions, while retainers keep your teeth in their final...
Read More -
The Do's and Don'ts of Wearing a Retainer
You should always follow your dentist's directions for wearing a retainer to ensure the investment you put into having a straight smile lasts for years to come. Adhering to the do's and don'ts of wearing a retainer is vital to keeping your teeth straight and...
Read More -
14 Tips for a Healthier Smile
A smile is often one of the first things people notice about us, and many people take great pride in having an attractive smile. However, the importance of having a healthy smile goes beyond mere appearances. The health of our teeth and gums is directly tied...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces
The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...
Read More -
How to Preserve Your Clear Retainers
Retainers are vital for straightening your smile. Even when you're done with aligners or braces, your retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back into their misaligned positions. Because these appliances are essential, it's useful to know how to preserve your clear retainers. You'll help them...
Read More -
The Science Behind Teeth Movement
Many people experience a moment where they notice something new about their physical appearance. This is especially true with teeth. You could smile at yourself in the mirror and realize that things are different than they were last time you checked. "Was that gap always...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell
As a user of clear plastic aligners, you care about your teeth, and you want your smile to look great. The clear plastic makes the process discreet so you can wear your aligners with confidence while hanging out with friends and family or meeting people...
Read More -
Why Do Aligners and Retainers Get Holes?
You wear your aligners almost all day, so it's not surprising that they can become damaged. But, why do aligners and retainers get holes and other damage? There are a few different ways this can happen. Take a look at the guide below to learn...
Read More -
How to Clean ClearCorrect Aligners
Aligners are excellent alternatives to traditional wire braces. They discreetly straighten your smile, allow you to maintain your oral health more easily, and don't come with any food or drink restrictions. Because ClearCorrect aligners stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day,...
Read More -
Aligner Guide for New Users: Everything You Need to Know as a New Aligner Wearer
Clear aligners have emerged as an exciting alternative to traditional braces. Brands such as Invisalign offer the benefits of straighter teeth with the addition of a discreet appearance to fit any lifestyle. You can enjoy more freedom when wearing clear aligners, and you can smile...
Read More -
The Do's and Don'ts of Wearing a Retainer
You should always follow your dentist's directions for wearing a retainer to ensure the investment you put into having a straight smile lasts for years to come. Adhering to the do's and don'ts of wearing a retainer is vital to keeping your teeth straight and...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Yellow Staining From Braces
The moment your braces come off is a major high point in your life. You've spent a lot of time waiting and working to achieve the straight teeth and radiant smile you've always dreamed of. But sometimes when the braces come off, your smile isn't quite...
Read More -
How to Preserve Your Clear Retainers
Retainers are vital for straightening your smile. Even when you're done with aligners or braces, your retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back into their misaligned positions. Because these appliances are essential, it's useful to know how to preserve your clear retainers. You'll help them...
Read More -
12 Tips for New Invisalign Users
Welcome to the world of Invisalign aligners! You've taken the next step toward straighter teeth and a more confident smile by subscribing to Invisalign treatment. But this is only the beginning. You'll be spending the next several months to a year wearing your aligners, and...
Read More -
How to Brush Your Teeth With Aligners
Clear aligners are convenient and discreet ways to help straighten your smile. You can remove them whenever you need to, and they're more comfortable than traditional metal braces. It's essential to take care of your teeth, and while making sure they're straight is one way...
Read More -
The Facts on Funk: Why Is My Clear Aligner Yellow?
You got clear aligners so that no one would notice them, but your invisible aligners are only invisible if they stay clear. Many things can stain your aligners or lead to your retainer turning yellow. Certain foods, such as dark-colored berries or sugary chocolates can lead...
Read More -
Navigating Contact Sports and Aligners
As an athlete, you have a lot on your mind when you're on the field or court. You're thinking about your opponent's next move, memorizing plays and doing everything you can to win. You don't want your teeth or aligners taking up valuable thought space...
Read More -
The Science Behind Teeth Movement
Many people experience a moment where they notice something new about their physical appearance. This is especially true with teeth. You could smile at yourself in the mirror and realize that things are different than they were last time you checked. "Was that gap always...
Read More -
How to Get Rid of Aligner Smell
As a user of clear plastic aligners, you care about your teeth, and you want your smile to look great. The clear plastic makes the process discreet so you can wear your aligners with confidence while hanging out with friends and family or meeting people...
Read More -
Why Do Teeth Come in Crooked?
If you've ever looked at your smile in the mirror and noticed misaligned teeth, you've probably wondered why teeth come in crooked. Is there any way to correct this issue? Luckily, you have a few options for fixing your smile, but there are even more...
Read More
Post a Comment!