It’s late summer, you’ve got a school supply list, and you’re shopping for new outfits to show off to your friends at the mall. That means it’s the back-to-school season in Winnipeg! Getting back into your school routine is exciting, and even though we know you’re dreading waking up early, we also know you’re ready to show everyone your new and improved smile from Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics! To get ready, here’s everything you need to know about caring for your braces at school.
#1. Bring a Water Bottle!
Staying hydrated is always important for your overall health, but drinking enough water is also an easy way to keep food particles from sticking to your teeth and braces. Be sure to drink more water than other liquids, especially soda and sugary drinks. These can stain the teeth, and when you’re wearing braces, staining can cause white spots once the brackets are removed.
Of course, we want you to stick with water, but the occasional soda or fruit juice doesn’t hurt. Just be sure to use a straw so that the sugar in these drinks doesn’t stick around your teeth.
#2. Stick With Braces-Friendly Foods
Food restrictions can be one of the biggest learning curves with new braces, and planning lunch at school might feel like a challenge at first, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. You’ll need to avoid crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods. These foods can damage the wires and brackets, and that damage could lead to more time spent in braces overall – oh no!
It’s not too difficult to make sure your foods are braces-friendly at home, but the vending machines and school lunches might be a little tempting or restrictive. If you buy your lunch at school, do your best to check the lunch menu weekly to make sure you can choose braces-friendly foods. Soft vegetables, noodles, or lean meats? Go right ahead! Bone-in chicken, popcorn, or crunchy chips? Steer clear.
If choices are limited, packing a lunch may make things easier. Eating and chewing with braces is easier when food is cut into bite-sized pieces. Biting into a whole sandwich can cause large amounts of bread, cheese, lunch meat, and other fillings to get stuck in the front braces, which is unsightly and inconvenient. Prepping bite-sized pieces the night before will keep lunchtime brushing and flossing to a minimum. Be sure to add healthy snacks like yogurt and applesauce to lunch bags to keep you full and satisfied throughout the day.
#3. Keep a Mirror On Hand
Eating with braces can sometimes be tricky, even if the food is friendly for brackets and wires. There are a lot of nooks and crannies that can easily trap food debris, which can be embarrassing. It can also increase the chance of bacteria and plaque setting up shop, causing cavities and tooth decay.
Unfortunately, most of us don’t like to point it out when someone has something stuck in their teeth or braces! Keep a small mirror in your locker or backpack to check your teeth for food particles after eating.
#4. After-School Practice? Pack a Mouthguard
Whether you’ve got gym class, recess, or after-school practice, you need to invest in an orthodontic mouthguard to protect your braces while you’re staying active. Sports and other physical activities can increase the risk of damage to braces or injury to your child’s cheeks, gums, or mouth. Orthodontic mouthguards are constructed to be worn with braces, and they are the simplest way to prevent injury and ensure oral health. These mouthguards are usually available at all major sporting goods stores, but the Topsmiles team would also be happy to order one for you!
#5. Keep Your Braces Care Kit In Your Backpack
We recommend every student in braces have a care kit with them at school, but this is especially helpful for kids who are new to orthodontic treatment. Having just a few common items packed away in their backpack or lockers helps to prepare them for any braces-related dilemmas. Some of the best items to include are:
- Dental wax
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Lip balm
Because brackets and wires have a tendency to hang onto food, it’s ideal for students to brush after lunch and floss if needed. These components can also cause mild irritation to the lips, gums, and cheeks from time to time. A small amount of dental wax placed on the offending area can reduce irritation until the problem can be fixed. Lip balm is a big help for lips that are dry and irritated due to braces!
Kick Off Your School Year Right With Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics!
Starting a new school year can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re wearing a new set of braces or clear aligner trays, but it can also be exciting! It’s fun to show your friends your new smile, and your team at Topsmiles is proud to be a part of that journey. By following these tips from Dr. Alvaro and Dr. Adriana, you’ll be well on your way to a successful school year and a happy smile.
Haven’t started your braces treatment yet? Don’t worry! Topsmiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics offers a free orthodontic consultation so you can decide on a treatment plan that’s right for you without the pressure. Schedule your free appointment today so you can start smiling your way around Winnipeg as soon as possible!