The defects in the position of the denture and its corresponding bones may begin to manifest at an early age, usually when the child loses the teeth of milk and are gradually replaced by the final teeth. The dentist will advise us the use of orthodontics to correct certain defects.
The use of dental appliances requires special care, as well as very thorough oral hygiene. If your child has to wear a device or just put it on recently, we will tell you what are the advice given by professionals to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Types of orthodontics
The Spanish Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SEOP) recommends that the first visit to the dentist be carried out at the first year of life, and from that moment the revisions are made periodically in order to correct in time any oral defect that may occur .
The world's leading orthodontic associations, including the Spanish Society of Orthodontic Specialists, insist on the importance of a first review by an orthodontic specialist when the child turns six.
Thus, if a problem is detected, it could be solved in a simple way, contrary to what happens when they are detected in adulthood, where treatments become more expensive and complex.
"While the child is in the growth stage, certain malocclusions can be treated early in a very simple way, simply with a removable device (which is placed and removed at night), which instead, when it is a adult or even a teenager, you have to resort to surgery to solve it ”- says Dr. Pérez Varela, president of the Spanish Orthodontic Society (SEDO) and former president of the Spanish Association of Specialists in Orthodontics (AESOR).
During the period that covers childhood and adolescence, from six to 14 years, is when most patients receive orthodontic treatment, depending on the output of permanent teeth and molars, and the growth of the jaw and jaw, whose manifest defects require immediate correction.
There are two types of orthodontics depending on the severity of the defect to be corrected.
On the one hand would be the removable orthodontics, that is, that device that can be put on and removed relatively easily. It serves to correct minor or moderate defects, and the type of device is usually comfortable for the wearer and does not require any special care, except to remove it before tooth brushing and wash it thoroughly and carefully before replacing it in the mouth.
On the other hand would be the fixed orthodontics which is the treatment with brackets. These are brackets attached to the teeth that house special wires that provide the energy needed for movements.
Its effectiveness is greater than that of the removable devices, being especially indicated to correct the accentuated or serious defects. However, and given its complexity, it requires the patient to take them to pay special attention to oral care and hygiene.
We have talked with the dentist Héctor Sánchez, and these are the recommendations you have given us to maintain proper oral hygiene If our children should wear brackets.
1) Care of sores and chafing
The use of braces can lead to an increase in dental sensitivity and the appearance of discomfort in the mouth, such as sores on the cheeks, tongue, lips or gums, especially at the beginning until the child gets used.
The normal thing is that these discomforts disappear spontaneously, but it is advisable to consult with the pediatrician or the dentist to assess the option of recommending any ointment or protective cream that accelerates the healing process and relieves pain.
"It is likely that after placing an appliance, the dentist recommends using specific protective waxes that act as a shield avoiding the appearance of traumatic ulcers in the internal labial mucosa or gums, caused by friction" - says Dr. Héctor Sánchez - " In any case, the checks will see if it is necessary to cut or adjust the device to avoid, as far as possible, this type of injury "
2) Increase tooth brushing time
Experts remind us that daily tooth brushing is a habit that we must instill in children from an early age. It is essential that they learn the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day (and always do it before going to sleep), that they use the most appropriate toothpaste and that the process is supervised by an adult (at least at the beginning until the child knows how to do it correctly).
But When the child wears brackets, the cleaning should be much more thorough if possible, since the dental apparatus favors the accumulation of food debris and bacterial plaque. Therefore, we must increase the brushing time and do it carefully.
In addition, tooth brushing must always be done after each meal, paying special attention if we have taken too sugary foods, and do not forget to also brush the tongue and gums, which are usually more inflamed.
3) Daily brushing supplements
But in addition to increasing the time and frequency of toothbrushing, it is important that the child clean his mouth thoroughly, slowly and paying close attention to each quadrant so as not to leave any area without brushing.
It is also advisable complete hygiene with a special brush for brackets, which makes it easier to remove the remains deposited around the device, as well as with interdental brushes and fluoride paste (remember that, according to the Spanish Society of Pediatric Dentistry, children from the age of two must use a toothpaste with a concentration of adequate and specific fluoride at each age).
"I also recommend using a specific mouthwash for children, as it helps complete brushing, which I also recommend being supervised by an adult" - emphasizes Dr. Sánchez.
4) Beware of some foods!
Another issue that we must monitor when there is orthodontics is the type of food:
- It is preferable to avoid taking hard foods, such as certain types of nougat or nuts, for example. Recall, in addition, that regardless of the use of brackets, nuts must be introduced into the diet of children with great caution, first because of the risk of allergies they entail and secondly because of the risk of choking.
"The brackets need specific care to prevent them from peeling off. This implies that some foods have to be limited or taken care of as they are taken. For example, it is advisable to avoid taking the fruit to bites, such as apple or pear, as well as snacks. Hard foods can cause the brackets to peel off, the bow to come off or the bumpers to fall out "- says the specialist, Lydia Almansa.
- Avoid sticky foods such as candy, jelly beans, gum or candied fruit.
"Sticky foods can be attached to the device and fold the bows, so it is convenient to avoid drinking chocolate or candy, like the classic toffee candies" - says Dr. Sanchez.
It is also important that the child Do not bite or suck pens, pencils or any other hard object with which you can hurt yourself or damage the device.
5) Beware of bumps in the mouth
By last, you have to be very careful with the blows in the mouth, how common they can be among children: first because of the pain and wounds that a bruise can cause when there is a dental appliance, and secondly because it could be deformed, especially if it is removable appliances.
In any case, if a strong blow occurs in the area of the mouth (balonazo, fall, shock with another child ...), Dr. Sánchez recommends us visit the pediatric dentist as soon as possible to assess that neither the teeth nor the device have suffered any damage.
"If there has been a strong bruise, it can occur from traumatic ulcers on the lips when brushing with the device, to damage to the tooth and bone. The pediatric dentist, through radiographs and clinical examination, should assess in depth the damages suffered and , if necessary, restrain orthodontics temporarily "
Photos via iStock
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