Braces are an adjustment.

It’s undeniable that braces can change a lot in a kid’s life. The sensations of having this type of orthodontic treatment can be an adjustment on their own, but the daily routine is different and can take a bit to get used to. If you have a child in school, it’s not uncommon for them to feel nervous about dealing with their braces in a classroom setting.

Reassure them that there is nothing to be afraid of. With a little preparation, learning to cope with braces at school will be a breeze. 

Tip 1: Schedule a back-to-school dental checkup.

First things first, you want to ensure your child starts the school year off right with a dental checkup. This is more than just a thorough toothbrushing session! Their dentist or orthodontist will make sure their braces are in tip-top shape. They will take care of any necessary adjustments, and answer any questions your kiddo might have.

Tip 2: Pack a kid-friendly orthodontic emergency kit.

When it comes to school and braces, it’s always a good idea to have an orthodontic emergency kit. Though this kit doesn’t have to be fancy, a little extra pizzazz never hurts, so let your kid choose what they’d like to put their supplies in.

Inside the bag, keep a container of orthodontic wax, floss threaders, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a small mirror, and pain relief if their school allows it. It’s not uncommon for schools to require pain relief, such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol, to be kept with the school nurse, so be sure to check! Before that first day arrives, make sure your child knows how to use the items in their kit to fix any minor issues that may arise.

Tip 3: Choose braces-friendly lunches and snacks.

When it comes to lunches and snacks, remember that it’s a good idea to stick to foods that are going to work with your child’s braces. Do what you can to avoid hard or sticky foods that can be difficult to clean from the brackets and wires or may damage them. Try to cut down on the sugar-dense snacks and meals as well as  it can be a little harder for your child to get all of that sugar out of their teeth after lunch.

Once your child has adjusted to their braces, they can eat most of their favorite foods. Whether they want a quesadilla filled with veggies, meat, and cheese, or a slice of pizza, your child’s braces can cope with these foods But if the braces are newer, soft foods such as pasta, hard-boiled eggs, or even mashed potatoes might be an easier option. And it has to be said that hard or sticky foods are going to risk damaging the braces so it’s best to avoid them altogether. 

Tip 4: Practice good oral hygiene at school.

Be sure your child knows how they need to care for their braces at school. It isn’t like before, when they could just ignore their teeth until after dinner. Now, they need to use a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss after meals to make sure there’s nothing hiding in those braces. Though this can be an adjustment, their smiles will thank them in the long run.

If your child has a hard time remembering to do this, they can set an alarm on their phone, or even get a planner and special stickers to check off each day they do their lunchtime oral care routine.

Tip 5: Educate your child on braces care.

Everyone forms bad habits, no matter how much we try to deny it. When we get nervous, we might bite our nails, twirl our hair, or even chew on pencils. Chewing on things isn’t ever recommended unless you’re talking about a teething toddler, but it’s especially important to break that habit if your child has braces.

Before the school year begins, be sure to teach your child to avoid fiddling with their braces or chewing on things such as pencils or fingernails. After all, the last thing they want is to deal with broken or damaged wires in the middle of the school day!

Tip 6: Stay in communication with the school.

It’s always important to stay in contact with your child’s school. Be sure the teachers and nurses are aware of your child’s braces so that they are prepared to help them if any issues arise. Make sure they have up-to-date contact information and specific instructions for what to do if your child’s braces need immediate attention.

Nerves happen—you’ve got this!

Whether it’s you who’s nervous about your child’s school year with braces or your child, we promise it will be alright! All you have to do is follow these tips and your kiddo is sure to have a smooth transition and a successful school year with braces.

Remember: Keep up with those orthodontic visits. Even when life gets crazy, it’s important to keep going in for checkups and adjustments. If you don’t have your child’s next appointment on your calendar, you can jump on over here to request an appointment. You’ve got this!