Back to school can be an exciting time for many students. Yet for some students going back to school with braces means serious anxiety. But getting back into the school day routine while managing braces doesn’t have to be daunting. Make your transition to the classroom seamless with these no-fail tips.
Carry a Kit with You
With braces, going to school each day prepared to take care of them is critical. Keep a kit in your backpack or locker with the essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, wax, and extra rubber bands (if your braces require them). Make sure to have a compact mirror as well so you can easily check out your braces if something doesn’t seem right.
Remember to Brush
Your daytime routine is changing, but it’s still important to take time to brush and floss your teeth after lunch. Braces can easily trap bacteria and food decay, so it’s imperative to keep up proper oral hygiene.
Watch What You Eat
Brace wearers have to take more care in what they eat. Lots of foods—especially those that are sticky or hard—can cause serious damage. Consider bringing your lunch to school instead of risking it with what’s being served in the lunchroom. Also, when it’s time for a snack, go for something like soft fruit, yogurt, or applesauce. That’s much better on braces than candy bars or crunchy foods.
Drink Water
If possible, keep a bottle of water with you. Frequently drinking water will rinse your mouth of food particles and neutralize acids in your mouth.
Protect Yourself
If you play sports, always wear a mouth guard. According to the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety, an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to his or her teeth when not wearing a mouth guard. Not only will a mouth guard protect your teeth and your braces, but it can also help make sure your braces don’t scrape your lips or mouth. And, there are mouth guard options available specifically for athletes with braces.
Still have questions about how to care for your braces at school? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bennett today to talk about how you can best manage your oral health and make the school year great.