If your child is born with an improper bite, then the will usually install dental appliances to correct the bite. An improper is bite needs to be corrected as soon as possible as this can result in many years of dental infections. If the bite does not improve, then orthognathic surgery is used to fix the alignment of your child's jaw and teeth. This procedure is not usually performed until they are well into their teen years. The recovery process from orthognathic surgery can take a few weeks until the surgical site heals. Poor oral care practices can worsen your teen's recovery from orthognathic surgery. Essentially, this prolongs the recovery period and can lead to bacteria infection. In order to prevent this, it is important to adopt a new oral care routine.

Keep Their Plastic Splint Clean with an Oral Rinse

If your teen needed orthognathic surgery due to an improper bite, then their doctor will install a plastic splint. The purpose of the splint is to keep their jaw from drifting out of alignment while it heals. This will ensure that their bite is corrected and your child does not have to return for a follow-up operation. However, just like any oral device, the splint needs to be cleaned. A routine cleaning can be difficult to perform immediately after surgery because your teen may struggle to open their mouth. However, the easiest way to keep the plastic splint clean is by giving your teen an oral rinse. An oral rinse will cleanse around the splint and throughout their mouth to remove any contaminants.

Stick to Fluids that Contain Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Following the procedure, your teen will most likely experience a large amount of inflammation. As your teen's body begins to heal the inflammation will begin to ease on its own. This inflammation can be made worse by aggravating the area and poor hygiene. One of the easiest ways to decrease inflammation is with the use of anti-inflammatory herbs. The herbs can be steeped in hot water in order to create a tea that your teen can drink. Herbs like thyme and chamomile will help to calm any redness, swelling, or pain experienced after the oral procedure.

Your teen's recovery from orthognathic surgery for an improper bite should be seamless if they use these tips and follow the doctor's post-op instructions. Therefore, use these tips to make sure that they are able to recover faster. To learn more, contact a dentist like Jeffrey S. Thaller DMD.