Keeping your smile bright and healthy with braces is a team effort, and you’re the star player! Brushing with braces might seem tricky at first, but you’ll be a pro in no time. It’s super important to brush after every meal to keep food from getting stuck in your brackets and wires. When you brush, angle your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to clean both above and below your brackets, making sure to gently scrub where your gums and teeth meet. Use small, circular motions to clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every single tooth. Don’t forget to brush the brackets themselves and the wires. Using tools like an interdental brush can help you get to those hard-to-reach spots around your braces, ensuring you’re fighting off plaque and keeping your teeth healthy for that amazing smile reveal once your braces come off!

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Establishing healthy dental habits early on lays the foundation for a lifetime of bright, confident smiles. Let’s turn brushing and flossing into a fun and exciting adventure for your child!

Start your child’s oral care journey with a soft, child-sized toothbrush in their favorite color or featuring beloved characters. Use a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste in fun flavors like bubblegum or strawberry. Turn brushing into a two-minute game—play a favorite song or set a timer to keep things exciting. Teach gentle circular motions to clean all tooth surfaces and gums, and don’t forget the tongue for a truly fresh finish! While encouraging independence, be ready to assist to ensure every tooth gets the attention it deserves.

Flossing can be just as fun! Use kid-friendly floss picks or colorful dental floss to make the process more appealing. Aim to floss at least once a day, guiding your child to use a gentle “C” motion to remove plaque and bacteria between teeth. Incorporate flossing into your evening routine—perhaps right before bedtime stories—to make it a consistent, family-friendly habit. Be sure to praise their efforts and celebrate each milestone!

By making dental care a positive experience, you’re helping your child build strong habits for lifelong oral health. To keep their smile on track, visit Dr. Rose Gedeon at Morning Star Children’s Dentistry twice a year. Our caring pediatric dental team in Naples, Florida, is here to detect and treat any issues early, ensuring your child’s healthiest smile.

Call (239) 920-7827 today to schedule your child’s next dental visit!