Starting school with braces can bring a mix of excitement and apprehension, especially for children and teens. At Nevada Dentistry & Braces, we understand the unique dental needs that come with orthodontic treatment, particularly during the school year in Las Vegas. We want to provide practical advice on how to manage and care for braces in a school setting. Doing this ensures your child’s experience with braces at school is as smooth as possible.
Teen Braces Care: Daily Dental Hygiene
Maintaining excellent dental hygiene with braces is essential to prevent issues such as cavities and gum disease. Here are some daily care tips:
- Brushing: Brush teeth and braces thoroughly at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing: Use a floss threader to clean between teeth and under the wires daily.
- Elastics: Remove your rubber bands, or elastics, before eating or brushing your teeth.
- Mouthwash: Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque and inflammation.
Orthodontic Tips for School Preparedness
Starting school with braces means being prepared for any orthodontic emergencies that may arise during the day. Equip your child with a braces care kit that includes:
- Orthodontic wax to cover any protruding wires or brackets
- A travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste for midday cleaning
- Floss and floss threaders
- A small mirror to check for food particles stuck in the braces
- Over-the-counter pain relief for minor discomfort
Eating Lunch At School With Braces
Choosing the right foods is crucial for children with braces. Encourage them to avoid hard, chewy, and sticky foods that can damage their braces. By making mindful food choices for eating with braces, children can maintain the effectiveness of their orthodontic treatment and promote better oral hygiene, plus avoid costly repairs. Appropriate brace-friendly snacks and meals include:
- Soft fruits like bananas
- Applesauce
- Yogurt and cheese
- Whole grain bread and pasta
- Macaroni and cheese
- Rice
- Soup
- Steamed vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Lean meats and soft protein sources
My Braces Broke: Orthodontic Emergencies At School
Occasionally, students might experience orthodontic emergencies while at school. Common issues include broken brackets, poking wires, or general braces discomfort. Teach your child how to manage these situations:
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any poking wires.
- If a bracket becomes loose, have them keep it safe and notify the school nurse.
- Gargle with warm salt water to relieve minor mouth sores.
- In more severe cases, contact your orthodontist for guidance and prompt assistance.
Let’s Play Ball: Physical Activities with Braces
Physical education classes and sports with braces can still be enjoyable. Using a mouth guard is essential to protect the mouth and braces during activities. Custom mouthguards from an orthodontist provide the best fit and protection. A mouth guard acts as a shield, protecting not only the braces but also your teeth, gums, and lips from potential injury. This is particularly important in contact sports like basketball, football, or wrestling, where accidental impacts to the face are more likely to occur.
Monitoring Children’s Oral Health During The School Year
Regular orthodontic check-ups are vital for tracking progress and making necessary adjustments. Schedule these appointments every 4-6 weeks. Stay vigilant about your child’s orthodontic needs. Check-in with your child regularly on how their braces feel and have them:
- Update With Reports Of Pain Or Discomfort
- Maintain Consistent Oral Hygiene
- Follow Dietary Recommendations Closely
Don’t Fall Behind: Balancing Education & Orthodontic Care
Education is a priority, and so is maintaining excellent orthodontic care. Here are some strategies to balance both effectively:
- Encourage regular study habits and create a consistent schedule that includes time for dental hygiene.
- Use morning routines to reinforce brushing and flossing.
- Practice brushing for a minimum of 2 minutes each session.
- Remind your child to rinse with mouthwash after meals to remove food particles and reduce bacteria.
Building Confidence in Children With Braces
Children may feel self-conscious about their braces when they start school. This period is crucial for their self-esteem, and having braces might make them worry about their appearance or how others perceive them. Encouraging confidence can make a significant difference. You can do this by:
- Sharing stories of your own experience with braces.
- Reiterating the long-term benefits of their braces.
- For young children, consider reading a book about a character with braces together.
- Praise their commitment to maintaining dental hygiene.
Get Smart About Braces With Nevada Dentistry & Braces
If you’re preparing your child for school with braces, Nevada Dentistry & Braces in Las Vegas is here to provide professional support and guidance. Our team is committed to ensuring your child’s orthodontic treatment is seamless and effective. Schedule an appointment today to embark on this important journey toward the best oral health for your tween or teen.
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