As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
Brace Yourself: Helping Your Teen Adapt to Wearing Braces
Mabel Hicks
When a teen has braces fitted it might seem like the end of the world to them. However, braces help to give your teen a beautiful smile and healthy teeth as they grow into an adult. Below are some things you can do to help your teen adapt to life with braces.
Oral Hygiene
Once they have had braces fitted, encouraging your teen to maintain good oral hygiene is especially important. You should encourage your teen to brush and floss their teeth after every meal. This will remove any food debris which may have become trapped in the braces, which prevents decay and bad breath.
Discomfort
At first, wearing dental braces may cause some discomfort for your teen because the brackets and wires of the brace can sometimes rub against the cheeks. If this occurs, you should ask your dentist for some orthodontic wax. Use this wax to cover any parts of the brace which are causing discomfort. You should also offer your child simple pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Soft Food
During the days after your teen has had their braces fitted, you should only feed them soft foods such as pasta, soup, baked potatoes, yogurt and fruit. As the braces settle in and your child gets used to wearing them, they will be able to eat normally again. You should avoid feeding your child food which is sticky or hard, such as pizza crust, candy, and uncooked vegetables. Soft foods help to keep the braces in place.
Embarrassment
Your teen may worry about what their friends will think and say about their braces. It is important that you take the time to build up their confidence. You can do this by explaining that a lot of people have braces or have had them in the past, even celebrities. Showing your teen pictures of celebrities wearing braces should help to boost their confidence. Let your teen know that they should let you know if anyone says anything mean about their new braces. Remind your teen that they will not have to wear the braces forever and once the treatment is complete their smile will look better than ever.
It is easy forget how traumatic wearing braces can be. You should listen to any concerns your teen has while offering support. If you have any concerns or questions you should contact your dentist who will be able to advise you and adjust your teen's braces if needed.
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