Summer is coming to an end and it’s time for the new school year to get started. Chances are your child started wearing braces over the summer and they are feeling concerned about returning to school. You can help your child feel confident and in control of their braces with the helpful tips shown below.
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Drink Water
Carrying a bottle of water these days is common. There are plenty of decorative and stylish water bottles to choose from. Sipping and drinking water throughout the school day keeps your child hydrated and their mouth moist. Consuming water frequently helps remove bacteria and particles from brackets and the surface of teeth.
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Carry Travel Size Dental Care
The great news is travel size dental care items can be found in almost any store. Create a care kit that includes travel size fluoride toothpaste, a toothbrush, dental floss, flossing picks, threaders, and extra elastics. You can also add orthodontic wax to the kit in case of a wire breaks during class. The wax will sooth the mouth until the situation can be fixed by a professional.
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Eat Carefully
There’s a list of off-limit foods students with braces can eat. Make sure your child follows the rules by packing them a healthy lunch and snacks they can carry with them in their backpack. Avoid giving your child sweets like caramel and taffy or any foods that will stick to their braces and cause them issues during school hours. You will be surprised about the amount of attention your child will put towards a piece of caramel stuck in their braces all day.
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Brush after Every Meal and Snack
The school restroom is the best place to get brushing done right. Encourage your child to fit in a quick brushing after lunch or any snack they consume during the day. The more often they brush the faster they will become at completing the task. Chances are there are other students that wear braces doing the same thing so your child won’t feel out of place.
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Invest in a Mouth Guard
Outdoor activities and sports are popular among students. If your child participates in any sport or class that involves sporting equipment or person-to-person contact it’s time to invest in a custom mouthguard. A customized guard is recommended to ensure it fits comfortably over the brackets and braces. Also, keep in mind a general physical education class and a game of kickball can accidentally cause damage to your child’s mouth if the ball is misplaced. Encourage your child to wear their mouthguard during every sports activity for safety reasons.
Going to school with braces for the first time can make a child feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. Many children hide their braces by talking less and refusing to smile. Encourage your child to be themselves and feel proud about the end results of a beautiful straight smile.
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