From Rochford Orthodontics | Greenwood, IN | Southside Indianapolis
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and at Rochford Orthodontics, we know that a healthy smile starts young! Good habits early on set the stage for strong, straight teeth — and fewer surprises when braces or Invisalign come into the picture. Whether your child is just starting their orthodontic journey or already wearing braces, these tips can help keep their smile happy and healthy — especially for our families in Greenwood, Center Grove, and the Southside of Indianapolis.
Start with the Basics: Brushing and Flossing
Even with braces or aligners, kids can master the basics. Proper brushing removes plaque and prevents cavities, while flossing reaches those tricky spots between teeth.
Tips for success:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a kid-friendly electric brush.
Brush for two minutes, twice a day — morning and night.
Floss once a day; consider floss threaders for braces.
Make it fun: set a timer, play a favorite song, or reward consistent brushing.
Keep Treats Braces-Friendly
Sugar can be sneaky! Hard or sticky candies can damage braces and increase the risk of cavities. Encourage brace-friendly snacks like soft chocolate, peanut butter cups, yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, cheese, soft fruits, or cooked vegetables.
💡 Pro tip: Make a chart of “green light” snacks for your child’s braces — it’s a fun visual reminder for the whole family.
Regular Checkups Are Key
Preventive care is about catching problems early. Regular visits to Rochford Orthodontics and your family dentist ensure that braces are adjusted properly, teeth and gums stay healthy, and any issues are fixed before they become bigger problems. The earlier kids start orthodontic care, the more options they’ll have for treatment — and the smoother the process is!
Encourage Good Habits with Rewards
Positive reinforcement goes a long way with kids. Stickers for each day they brush and floss properly, small prizes for keeping up with elastics or aligner wear, or celebrating milestones like a first bracket adjustment can turn daily routines into a game — and kids actually enjoy caring for their smiles!
Protect Their Smile During Activities
Sports and outdoor fun are great, but accidents happen. For kids with braces, always wear a mouthguard during sports, avoid chewing hard objects like pencils or ice, and keep orthodontic wax on hand for poking wires. Safety plus prevention equals fewer emergency visits and happier kids!
Celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month with Rochford Orthodontics
At Rochford Orthodontics, we’re passionate about helping kids build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Small daily steps — brushing, flossing, eating braces-friendly foods, and regular checkups — make a huge difference for your child’s smile. We proudly serve families throughout the Southside of Indianapolis, including Greenwood, Center Grove, and the surrounding communities, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
📞 Schedule your child’s next checkup or consultation today! Call or text us at 317-888-2827 to keep your little one’s smile bright, healthy, and strong.
