2 Tips To Prevent Your Child From Getting Chronic Gingivitis While Wearing Braces

If your child's gums and teeth always look inflamed, swollen, or red, then they may be suffering from chronic gingivitis. This type of gum disease is common in children because they are still trying to solidify a good dental routine. Food is more likely to go undetected for hours or even days on their teeth. This eventually will cause irritation along the gum line. This issue is even more common in children who are wearing braces since food can easily wrap itself around the dental device. Chronic gingivitis can lead to more severe forms of gum disease; therefore, it is important to prevent this problem. Luckily, there are a few tips that you can use to help your child do this.

Incorporate Herbal Antibacterial Rinses into Their Oral Care Routine

When your child gets braces installed, oral rinses should be a huge part of their dental care routine. These rinses are easy to use and will help to remove debris from the surfaces of their teeth and underneath their gum line. You can create an easy and effective herbal rinse from home by taking basil and thyme leaves and steeping them in hot water. Add slices of limes and lemons to help mask the spicy and earthy taste of the herbs, then instruct your child to use it before and after meals. You should notice a difference in the appearance of your child's gum line within a few days of using the rinse.

Switch up Your Child's Diet

Preventing chronic gingivitis may also involve switching some foods out of your child's diet. Sticky and hard foods are known for getting stuck around the gum line and in between teeth. This is even more common when braces are involved. Therefore, if these foods make up a huge part of your child's diet, then they need to be switched out for softer and less sticky foods. For example, your child's favorite caramel candy can be replaced with caramel tasting beverage. This will allow them to enjoy the same flavor without dealing with the consequences. In addition, instead of giving your child nuts like peanuts, cashews, and almonds to eat, you can grind up these foods until they are softer.

While chronic gingivitis can be difficult for any children to overcome while wearing braces, it should not stop your child from enjoying their dental device. Use these tips to make sure you are able to help them keep their gums clean. For more information, contact local professionals like Hoffman & Karl Dental Associates, PLLC.