As the back-to-school season kicks off, make sure your little one’s smile is set up for success by checking in on their oral appliances. Whether your child uses a sports guard, night guard, or orthodontic appliance, proper care and maintenance can not only help prolong the life of these tools but also help your kiddo reap the maximum benefits.
At Aviator Pediatric Dentistry, our Fort Worth pediatric dentist knows you already have a lot on your to-do list. That’s why we’ve put together some tips to make maintaining oral appliances easier this school year.
Tips for Caring for Sports Guards
Sports guards are essential for kids involved in activities. They protect your little athlete from injury to not only their teeth but also their gums, face, and jaw. One study reported by the American Dental Association (ADA) found that mouthguard users were 82% to 93% less likely to experience injuries to their teeth and face.
Given that these oral appliances are so vital to your child’s health, here’s how to care for them to make them last:
- Clean After Each Use: After each use, rinse the sports guard with cool water. This helps remove saliva and debris, keeping it fresh and hygienic.
- Store Properly: Store the sports guard in a ventilated container to prevent bacterial buildup. Avoid exposure to heat, which can warp the material.
- Regular Checkups: Bring the sports guard to your child’s dental exams. Our Fort Worth pediatric dentist will inspect it for wear and tear and ensure it still fits correctly.
Tips for Caring for Night Guards
Night guards are used to prevent teeth grinding during sleep. When going back to school, kids and teens might end up grinding or clenching their teeth more due to stress and changes in routine. A night guard can help their jaws relax as well as prevent damage to teeth from the pressure.
To take care of these guards, make sure to:
- Clean Daily: Clean the night guard with a toothbrush and toothpaste daily. This removes plaque and bacteria, which keeps the device from getting smelly or cloudy.
- Soak Weekly: Soak the night guard in a denture cleaner weekly for a deep clean. This helps eliminate any lingering bacteria.
- Inspect for Damage: Check the night guard regularly for cracks or wear. A damaged guard won’t protect your child’s teeth effectively.
Tips for Caring for Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, like braces, retainers, or clear aligners, require specific care to maintain their function and avoid oral health issues. After all, you don’t want anything to interfere with the progress of your little one’s smile.
To help make sure these appliances keep doing their job right, follow these tips from our Fort Worth pediatric dentist:
- Brushing and Flossing: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean around brackets and wires. Floss daily to remove food particles.
- Retainer or Aligner Care: Clean retainers or clear aligners with a toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid using toothpaste, which can be abrasive and damage the material.
- Regular Orthodontic Visits: Regular visits to Aviator Pediatric Dentistry are essential. Our dentist will adjust the appliances as needed and ensure they’re working correctly.
Fort Worth Pediatric Dentist’s General Tips for Oral Appliances
Avoid Heat Exposure
Never leave oral appliances in hot places, like a car on a sunny day. Heat can deform the plastic of sports guards, night guards, and clear aligners. That can affect the fit as well as weaken the oral appliances.
Use Recommended Products
Only use cleaning products recommended by our dentist. Some cleaners can be too harsh and damage the appliance. Don’t worry—we’ll go over our recommended products when your child gets started with any appliance. Plus, we’re always available to go over the options again and answer any questions.
Handle with Care
Oral appliances can be delicate. Teach your child to handle them gently to avoid unnecessary damage. We can also go over this with them at their appointments. Our team is experienced at communicating in kid language, so we can make learning about oral appliances fun.
When to Replace Oral Appliances
Signs of Wear
Look for signs of wear, such as:
- Cracks
- Tears
- Fit Changes
If the appliance doesn’t fit snugly, it may not be providing the necessary protection or correction. Listen to feedback from your child on their experience with their oral appliance to get an idea of how it’s working for them and when it’s time to seek extra attention.
Growth Spurts
For children, growth spurts can affect the fit of oral appliances. After all, their teeth and jaws are still growing. Regular checkups at our Fort Worth pediatric dentist office will help ensure the appliances still fit properly.
Protect Little Smiles by Protecting Their Oral Appliances
With these tips from our Fort Worth pediatric dentist, you and your child will be ready to take on the new school year. Get started with an appliance or get personalized maintenance advice today by booking a visit to Aviator Pediatric Dentistry. No matter what oral health tools your child is using this year, we can help keep them in tip-top shape.