If you are the parent or guardian of a teenager with braces, you’re probably already aware of many frustrations common to orthodontic patients. For example, the sharp metal brackets and wires are notorious for lacerating the tender tissues inside their mouth, especially during sports or other high-contact physical activities.
Your child’s orthodontist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard to shield their smile and stay on track with their treatment timeline. Continue reading to learn 3 tips to protect their oral appliance and avoid potential emergencies!
Tip #1: Pick the Right Oral Appliance
Many well-meaning parents mistakenly assume that commercial-grade mouthguards are just as effective as the ones provided by their child’s provider, but that’s not usually the case. Many sporting goods stores carry one-size-fits-all appliances, but these tend to have plenty of gaps because they’re not tailor-made to fit your child’s mouth. Boil-and-bite options can be customized at home, but these aren’t made from the same top-quality materials that professionals use.
However, these oral appliances are most effective when designed to fit your kid’s unique dental dimensions. Their orthodontist can provide a custom-fitted device that can better prevent lacerations, chips, cracks, or broken braces.
Tip #2: Clean It Consistently
Bacteria and other residue can collect on the surface of your kid’s mouthguard, meaning they’ll need to wash it regularly to prevent it from contributing to common dental concerns, like cavities and gum disease.
Thankfully, it’s easy to keep their oral appliance looking and feeling great. After each use, wash it in warm water to remove germs, plaque, and any other buildup from the surface. They should also store it in its protective carrying case when it’s not being worn to prevent it from being harmed, and keep it away from pets or small children.
Tip #3: Know When To Get Help
Although wearing a mouthguard can protect your teen’s teeth, it’s still possible for them to sustain injuries. For example, a strong enough blow to the face during a match can snap a wire, break a bracket, or damage a tooth.
Knowing when to get help in these instances can potentially save their smile. For instance, if they’re cut and bleeding profusely, you should head to the closest ER immediately to suture the wound shut. If any teeth have been displaced, they’ll be referred to an oral surgeon or other appropriate provider once the immediate threat has been addressed and bleeding has slowed or stopped.
Taking a few simple precautions can help avoid orthodontic issues so your teen can complete their treatment sooner rather than later!
About the Practice
At Serenity Orthodontics, you and your family benefit from a team of experts dedicated to helping people of all ages improve their lives by enhancing their smiles, including teens. They are board-certified orthodontists who provide a wide array of services to straighten teeth and bite misalignments that impact everything from your appearance to your dental health. They take the time to get to know you, then tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs using state-of-the-art technology for accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call one of their conveniently located offices near you!