If your child recently had braces put on their teeth, they may not be prepared for the additional responsibility that they now have. Here are two ways that you can help them manage the changes that come with wearing new braces.

Help Them Remember To Wear The Rubber Bands

Braces will require regular maintenance, and one of those things your child may have to do is use rubber bands. It's a good idea to check that your kid puts on the rubber bands every day. For example, part of the routine may be to put them on first thing after they wake up. You can tell them that you noticed they put the rubber bands in when you first see them, or give them the reminder that they still need to do it. You can also use positive reinforcement by commenting on the rubber bands color, letting them know they made a good choice that matches their outfit.

When a child struggles to do this crucial step on their own, be sure to work with them to come up with a plan to remember. This can be done by setting an alarm that goes off at the same time each morning to help remind them. You can also decide on a place to keep their rubber bands so they will not be forgotten, like next to their toothbrush.

Your child needs to wear rubber bands so the braces are effective. By using positive support instead of nagging, you will help them make this step a part of their daily routine.

Emphasize Good Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene becomes very important when wearing braces, since food can become stuck around the brackets quite easily. Even if they were good at brushing and flossing before, it's important that they don't slack on oral hygiene because the braces make it more difficult.

The biggest change is that they will need to completely alter the way that they floss. They can use a dental floss threader, or a proxabrush. They may find that the latter is much easier to use, but you should help show them how to properly use it.

You use a proxabrush by sticking it between the teeth and moving the brush back and forth. Avoid sliding it down from the top of the teeth, and insert it from both the front and the back to clear away any plaque that may be forming. You can also bend the proxabrush so it wraps around the sides the of the surrounding teeth. Demonstrate how to use the proxabrush on yourself, and then have your child show you what they've learned by using it on themselves.

By following these tips, you'll be setting your child up for success when wearing their braces. Contact a local orthodontist (like Wright Center For Orthodontics or another office) for more tips and information.