Child with braces smiling – Image Courtesy of Pexels
Going to the dentist is one of the biggest fears for children. Exposing their mouths, fear of pain, and fear itself are among the worries that kids have when seeing their oral experts. But you can be their guiding light and help your children through cosmetic dentistry with solid parenting.
Try Alternatives to Braces
Braces are the most common way to fix a smile. However, there is a stigma attached to adult and teen braces. And younger children simply don’t like the idea of having a mouth full of metal drilled into their teeth.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to braces that are much less intrusive. You can get at-home aligners from online retailers. However, Invisalign is the top-rated and recommended alternative to braces by dentists. They’re clear, easy to use, and safe for kids.
Get them Used to Going to the Dentist
The American Dental Association says your child should go to the dentist for the first time when their first tooth comes in. Early visits help with your child’s young oral health and make it more likely that a dentist can spot problems before they get worse.
Taking your kids to the dentist on a regular basis from a young age also teaches them that the dentist is a normal part of their lives. If you take your kids to the dentist regularly, they are less likely to be scared before checkups.
Help Your Children Through Cosmetic Dentistry at School
Having braces can make it hard for kids to go to school. With new braces, food restrictions can be one of the hardest things to get used to, and school can make it worse. Every week, check the school’s lunch menu to make sure your child can eat something there.
If your child has braces and goes to recess or gym class, you might want to buy an orthodontic mouthguard for them. Sports and other physical activities can make braces more likely to break.
Show them How to Care for Braces
Your kids will be more willing to wear braces if they know what they are for. Your kids with braces should bring a care kit to school with them. This is especially helpful for kids who have just started getting braces.
Having a few common things in their backpack or lockers helps them be ready for any problems that might come up because of their braces. Because food can get stuck in brackets and wires, it’s best for your kids to brush after lunch and floss if they need to.
Encourage Good Oral Hygiene
After a bad experience, your kids might think of the dentist as a painful place. But you can make it less likely that your child will need dental work at a young age if you teach them habits that will keep their teeth and gums healthy.
For example, you can avoid having to excessively go to the dentist by having them brush their teeth twice a day. Also, by flossing once a day and eating foods that are low in sugar. Then, these good habits will likely follow them into adulthood.
Summary
Going to the dentist can be traumatic for some kids. However, genetic issues and medical reasons mean they may need long-term work. You can help your children through cosmetic dentistry with invisible braces, considering school problems, and encouraging good oral health.