Bracing for Success: Children’s Oral Health By The Numbers

Bracing for Success: Children’s Oral Health By The Numbers

Although the earliest versions date back to 3000 BC, the modern nylon-bristle toothbrush first landed in the hands of children and adults alike in 1938. This simple yet ingenious tool has been keeping smiles healthy and bright for over eight decades. 

The toothbrush is also an essential instrument of orthodontic care. While braces and clear aligners have become symbols of the dentistry specialty, arriving at that perfect smile requires a commitment to a daily care routine. National Brush Day presents a perfect opportunity to not only emphasize the importance of children’s oral health, but to provide a gentle reminder about daily hygiene to those currently on their orthodontic journey.

 

Here’s oral health and basic orthodontic care by the numbers.

Lucky Number Seven

The secret to a perfect smile begins earlier than one may think. Even before the first tooth erupts, parents are instructed to wipe their baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth. When that first baby tooth starts to peek through, it’s time to break out the toothbrush and toothpaste (and that could be as early as six months old).

 

When it comes to achieving your very own TruSmile, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children receive their first orthodontic screenings by age seven. Because a young child’s permanent teeth have not finished erupting, we at Truman Orthodontics-Henderson are able to identify and correct problems before they become more serious.

 

Just as early orthodontic treatment can help prevent potential crowding, open bite, overbite, or gummy smiles, a solid oral hygiene routine keeps common dental issues, like cavities, at bay. 

By the Millions

With 3.5 billion toothbrushes sold each year, one would think that tooth mishaps like cavities would be a thing of the past. But in the United States, cavities remain a chronic childhood issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of kids between ages 6 to 8 (about the age that parents are scheduling that first visit to the orthodontist) have had their first cavity. If left untreated, that means millions of kids potentially face infections, discomfort, and even hiccups in day-to-day activities. 

 

Thankfully, these issues are preventable with basic oral hygiene tools that are already in one’s home. Ideally, by the time your little one visits Dr. Truman, they should have established daily brushing habits that will carry over into their orthodontic journey. 

Two Minutes and Three Times a Day Helps with orthodontic care

Braces have come a long way over the decades. But daily brushing and flossing are still required to yield the best results. Plaque and debris can be real party crashers at an ortho party. Inconsistent care or neglect can lead to permanent spotting on teeth, not to mention wasted time and resources. So, what is an ideal routine for braces? 

 

Recently, Chance of the Las Vegas Golden Knights stopped by and showed the TruCrew that even he got his daily maintenance down to a science. 

 

EMBED Brushing & Flossing VGK style with Chance VIDEO

 

Yes – committing to enhanced oral hygiene care to support orthodontic treatment takes time and patience. But, the end results are worth it. 

Zero Interest

Truman Orthodontics-Henderson believes that everyone deserves a bright, healthy smile. It all begins with a complimentary in-office or virtual consultation. Furthermore, pairing one of our many payment options (including zero-interest financing) with our individualized treatment plans is sure to make your orthodontic journey affordable and stress-free. 

 

In the world of smiles, a toothbrush and a little guidance from your local orthodontist can make one’s journey a lot smoother. 

About Truman Orthodontics – Henderson

Truman Orthodontics-Henderson provides the highest quality orthodontic care in a family-oriented high-technology practice. Combining the right mix of personal care, high technology, and continuing education, we maintain a commitment to our patients in every facet of our practice to ensure that every patient achieves a healthy and beautiful smile. For more information, visit www.trumanortho.com.

Posted By Truman Orthodontics Category: Blog, General, Kids Post Date: November 8, 2023