School with Braces (BEST TIPS!)

Going to school with braces. The back to school season can be stressful to parents if they’re not well prepared. There is a lot of back to school shopping to be done and some things can easily be overlooked. It could equally be stressful for the kids as well. There will be new teachers, new classes, and even friends in a new school year. As much going back to school may not be that exciting for your child, there are some tips that could come in handy. These tips will make the transition smooth especially if your child has brackets.  

Going to School with Braces

Keeping the teeth and the braces clean should be a top priority. That is why you should ensure that your child has a braces kit to always make sure that the mouth is clean and healthy. Toothpaste and a toothbrush are some of the essentials that should be in the kit. Your kid should brush the teeth after lunch or whenever they have a snack. This is to remove the food and crumb residuals that get stuck between the teeth.

• Flossing picks
• Threaders
• Floss

 

Eating

An orthodontist will always recommend what one should or shouldn’t eat when they have their braces on. As a parent, you should be aware of what your kid is eating at school. You can make it easier by packing lunch for your child so that you’re assured they’re having a braces-approved meal even when they are in school. Don’t completely rely on the food that is being offered at the cafeteria as that would limit your kid’s options on what he/she can’t eat when they have their brackets on. When preparing the meals, it is recommended that you steer off hard and crunchy foods like nuts, chips, and raw carrots as they could easily break the brackets. You should also warn your child from chewing ice. Sticky and tough snacks like gum and caramel should be avoided at all costs because they can easily get stuck between the brackets and the teeth. The best kinds of food to prepare for going to School with braces are those that come in bite-sizes. This is because they limit the amount of tearing and chewing. If your kid insists on having a sandwich for lunch, make sure it is cut into small sizes which cannot get stuck between the teeth and brackets.  

Drinking Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water can’t be emphasized enough. The child should carry bottled water to school to make sure they’re hydrated at the same time keeping the brackets clean throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water also helps in rinsing of food stuck between the wires and the brackets. Water is a good alternative compared to sugary drinks and sodas which are not only harmful to the teeth but also the health of the child. Sodas if taken in excess can stain your kid’s teeth and cause problems with a cavity.    

Confidence

So many kids are conscious of being bullied or isolated because of the brackets or aligners. You need to instill confidence and reassurance in your kid and make sure they know they’re not alone. They are other kids who are also in a similar situation and you should let them know that there is nothing to be embarrassed about. If the issue is about the fitting, you should tell them that the situation is only temporary and it will be sorted out as soon as the orthodontist gives the go-ahead to remove them.    

Protection During Sports

There are children that are very active in sports or just like to play. Since the brackets are delicate, they can easily break when they come into contact with a lot of force. Extracurricular activities are part of any school routine and you can’t discourage your child from taking part just because they have brackets on. The children need to wear a mouth guard any time they are participating in sports. This will protect the brackets from the impact of injuries that might come about during the sporting activities. The guard should be being enough to protect the whole bracket. They’re special guards that are specifically designed to be used with brackets.  

Mirrors

Eating with brackets on is always going to be challenging especially when you’re just starting. There are crannies and nooks that could easily trap debris. Such a situation can be embarrassing for your kid if they’re not used to having brackets on. The food debris also provides a conducive environment for plaque and bacteria to set up shop which can cause tooth cavity and decay. Some people will not easily point out about the foot particle stuck between the wires and the brackets. If your child has a mirror, it is will be much easier to remove the debris after a meal. Encourage your kid to keep a mirror in the locker or in the backpack.  

Special Treat

It is not always going to be easy going to school with braces on. You can let your kid off with a treat of smoothies or a milkshake especially on days where they have visited the doctor for an adjustment. The treat could also come in the form of pudding or ice cream. The transition period can be a rough time for your child and you try and make it as seamless as possible. This is also important if you have teenage kids.  

Encourage Communication

You should encourage your kids to communicate with you whenever there is a problem. They might be bullied or made fun of because of the brackets. Make them understand that there is always support back at home so long as they speak up about the challenges they’re facing at school.    

Contact us Today

Following the mentioned tips will help out your kid with the transition process. going to school with braces should be exciting and shouldn’t be something dreadful. For any queries and concerns, you can always reach out to Dr. King  for more suggestions and information.

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6460 Far Hills Ave Centerville, OH 45459 Phone: (937) 433-0830

 School with Braces (TIPS!)