At what age should parents start thinking about braces? Julie Gardner of Associated Orthodontists recommends age seven as the ideal time. By then, children usually have enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to identify alignment issues like crowding, overbites, underbites, or crossbites. Early evaluations allow for timely treatment, preventing more invasive and costly procedures later while improving overall oral health and comfort for growing kids.
Common dental problems in children include crowded teeth, misaligned bites, and jaw alignment issues. Catching these early often means treatment can be simpler, shorter, and more effective. Early care also ensures a child’s mouth has enough space for all permanent teeth to come in correctly, supporting proper speech, chewing, and overall development.
Good dental habits at home are essential. Gardner stresses brushing twice daily for two minutes, or four times daily for kids with braces, plus flossing every day. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains benefits both oral and overall health.
Julie often sees crowding and bite issues but says many can be minimized or prevented with early evaluation and consistent home care. She encourages parents to lead by example, bring children to the dentist within their first year, and teach proper brushing with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Making oral hygiene fun—with music, timers, or apps—and letting kids choose their toothbrush and toothpaste can boost engagement.
If braces are needed, Associated Orthodontists makes the process enjoyable with welcome kits, contests, and rewards. Creating a positive experience helps kids feel comfortable and motivated throughout their orthodontic journey. After all, a healthy, confident smile can boost self-esteem and set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Packing lunches that support dental health doesn’t have to be boring!
Choose soft, nutrient-rich foods that are easy to chew—especially for kids with braces. Try whole grain wraps with turkey or hummus, yogurt cups, soft fruits like bananas or sliced strawberries, and hard-boiled eggs. Include a small bottle of water or milk to rinse away food particles.
Avoid sticky fruit snacks, popcorn, chips, hard candies, or anything overly sugary, crunchy, or chewy, as these can damage tooth enamel, loosen brackets, or break braces.
Pro tip: Let kids help pack their lunch to give them a sense of ownership—and make tooth-friendly choices more fun, empowering healthy habits that last a lifetime.
For more dental health tips, visit www.greatbraces.com.