Brushing with Braces

Let's face it, getting your kids excited about brushing and flossing isn't easy. But it's important that they learn to properly care for their teeth, especially if they're in braces. Proper brushing and flossing can help avert tooth discoloration when braces come off. Additionally, food particles that get stuck in braces can cause cavities if they're not brushed or flossed away. Get your kids cleaning like pros by using these simple tips from the AAO.

Make it a routine. The best way to get your kids brushing is to get them on a schedule. Form a habit by urging them to brush and floss their teeth at the same time every day. Stick to this schedule like glue, and your kids will never skip an appointment with their toothbrush or "forget" to floss again.

Try an egg timer. Brushing isn't labor intensive, but it can seem that way to your kids. Make sure they spend enough time on their teeth by investing in an egg timer. Set it for a few minutes and have them brush until it buzzes. Add a fun or quirky timer to the mix, and the minutes will fly by. We found a cute version online shaped like a LEGO mini-figure head (available on the LEGO Web site. His face even changes as the timer rotates!). Simpler versions are available just about anywhere, or you can try a sand timer from an old board game if you're in a pinch.

Brush together. Brushing with your kids lets you demonstrate good habits first hand. Plus, you're there to help if things get tricky (flossing can be hard for small children!). Make it a fun, family experience by playing a short song while you brush. It helps keep track of time, and you can experiment brushing to the rhythm of different songs.

Don't overdo the toothpaste. Minty toothpaste is fine for adults, but some flavors may be harsh on small children's taste buds. Go light on the amount of toothpaste your child is using (aim for an amount the size of a pea), or buy children's toothpaste, which tastes less intense.

Roam the oral health care aisle. A brush that's loved is more likely to get used, so let your child pick out his or her own special brush at the store. Fun colors, familiar characters and musical toothbrushes can all be found in the oral health care aisle. Additionally, some of these brushes are battery-operated, which may give kids a plaque-busting boost. You can also find a variety of tools to help with flossing, many designed specifically for those with braces. Ask your orthodontist or orthodontic staff for advice on hygiene helpers, too.

©2010 American Association of Orthodontists