Starting a new school year is stressful enough on its own, so you don’t want to add to that by worrying about your new braces. When your child is away from their routine, it can be difficult for them to adjust to taking care of their teeth and new braces in a new setting. At Hoskinson Orthodontics, we want to ensure your child’s new school year is as stress-free as possible! We’ve compiled a guide to going back to school with braces so they always feel prepared.
If you live in or around Scotia, NY, and are looking for a highly-rated orthodontist for your child, look no further! Dr. Hoskinson is board-certified and has vast experience in both early intervention and adolescent orthodontic care. We’ll make sure your child’s braces are as comfortable and manageable as possible.
Our Tips to Rock the School Year with Braces
Be Prepared with a Braces Kit
It’s ALWAYS a good idea to be prepared for any situation that might arise. When your child is at school all day, you don’t want them to be left without their tools and resources. Put together a “braces kit” that contains anything they might need to freshen up or avert a crisis throughout the school day. Look for a small cosmetics or toiletries pouch like this one that they can keep in their backpack or locker for easy access!
Here are some braces-kit essentials:
- Soft-bristled travel toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Lip balm
- Floss
- Extra rubber bands
- Cosmetic mirror
Pack Brace-Friendly Lunches
There’s nothing worse than not being able to enjoy your lunch because of your braces, and quite a few foods should be avoided. Eating a school lunch can be tricky without knowing ahead of time if it’ll be edible. To play it safe, pack your child their own lunches and snacks that’ll keep them energized throughout the day! Here are some brace-friendly lunch and snack options, as well as foods they should be staying away from.
What to Bring
Soft sandwiches
Tuna, chicken, or egg salad
Applesauce, yogurt, or pudding
Bananas
Rice or pasta
Avocado
Soft granola bars
What to Avoid
Whole apples
Candy like gummy bears, taffy, caramels, or gum
Popcorn
Carrots or other crunchy vegetables
Beef jerky
Crunchy chips, nuts, or pretzels
Keep a Water Bottle On Hand
Hydration is essential for everyone, but it is key for those with braces. Their lips can get very dry and cracked, and proper hydration will combat that. Drinking water will also help flush out any food or debris stuck in their braces. Additionally, sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks are detrimental to your child’s oral health and can stain their teeth, leaving white spots where the braces are. Keeping a water bottle on hand might deter them from reaching for unhealthy options. Let your child pick out a cute and fun water bottle they love–this will help encourage them to carry it around all day and stay hydrated!
Get a Mouthguard
A mouthguard is essential if your child participates in gym class, recess, or is an athlete. Physical activity can put their oral health at significant risk–if they suffer a fall, a collision with another player, or are hit with a ball, they can face damage to their teeth, lips, gums, and the braces themselves. A sports mouthguard is inexpensive and the easiest way to protect their braces and mouth. You can find them at sporting goods stores, pharmacies, or on Amazon!
Schedule Your Orthodontics Appointments in Advance
With more obligations and time commitments during the school year, it’s easy to let routine dentist and doctor appointments fall lower on your priority list–but keeping up with your orthodontist is essential to ensure that your child’s braces are holding up and improving their teeth correctly. Try to schedule your child’s orthodontic appointments ahead of time so you don’t have to stress about fitting them in later. Contact us today to get your next appointment scheduled!
Choose Hoskinson Orthodontics!
When your child needs braces, our team is dedicated to providing the utmost care and comfort. We believe that braces should not be a cause for worry, especially with all the stressors of a typical school year. If you live in or around the Scotia, NY area and think your child might need new braces or orthodontic care, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today at Hoskinson Orthodontics!