It’s that time of year again! New backpacks, fancy water bottles, and the excitement of a brand-new school year is all we can talk about. Are you or your kiddo starting school with some new hardware in your mouths? For students with braces, going back to school can come with a few extra challenges. With just a little preparation, your child can head into the year feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to make this the best year yet!
🍎 Pack a Braces-Friendly Lunchbox
Not all cafeteria foods are braces-approved. Hard, sticky, or crunchy items can damage brackets, wires and expanders and delay the progression of treatment. Below are some great options to offer:
- Soft sandwiches, chicken nuggets, pasta, soft crusted pizza
- Yogurt, hummus, applesauce
- Cheese sticks
- Soft fruits (cut-up grapes, strawberries, bananas)
- Veggies & harder fruits cut into thin slices (Baby carrots, peppers & apples)
🎒Pack a Dental Care Kit
Having a small orthodontic care kit in their backpack can be a lifesaver! Here are a few things to pack:
- Bag of rubber bands to keep those teeth moving!
- Travel toothbrush, toothpaste, floss picks/ threaders to shine up in between meals
- Orthodontic wax to give comfort to any sore spots that may arise
🏀 Sports & Safety
The start of the new school year also comes along with the start of fall sports. Braces-friendly mouthguards protect both teeth & orthodontic appliances. If your child plays a sport that requires a mouthguard there are a couple options. Most can be purchased online at Amazon or Dicks Sporting Goods. Make sure the one you choose is “Orthodontic Friendly.” We recommend Shock Doctor branded orthodontic mouthguards.
Another alternative is a custom mouthguard made by your orthodontist that tend to fit better and are less bulky. One final detail to know prior to selecting a mouthguard is whether your sport requires a strap attached to it or not. Ask us if you’re unsure which type is best for your child’s activity, we are more than happy to help!
🚨 What to Do in Case of a Braces Emergency
Most kids don’t want to miss school in the first few weeks, but don’t panic—most issues can wait until an appointment.
- Loose bracket or wire poking? Cover with orthodontic wax until you can call to make an appt to repair.
- Soreness after tightening? Over-the-counter pain relievers, wax and a soft diet usually do the trick.
Encourage your child to let a teacher or nurse know if they’re uncomfortable during the day. Most schools have some dental supplies in the nurses office.
😃 Confidence Counts
Remind your child that braces are just a part of their journey to an amazing smile. Many of their classmates may be in braces, too! Even my own daughter is starting the year with a fresh set of braces. The more they smile and stay positive, the easier the adjustment will be.
With the right tools and a little preparation, braces don’t have to slow your child down this school year. If you have any questions, or if it’s time for a back-to-school checkup, give Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics a call. Dr Miller, Hydo, Reid & Katheria are here to help keep your child’s smile healthy and on track!
Natalie Miller DDS, MS
Great Smiles Pediatric & Orthodontics
Dr. Natalie Miller, orthodontist at Great Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, is the author of this informational post.
