The new school year is finally here, which means new braces patients need to be prepared for a fun and healthy fall semester!
It’s that special time of year again when summer break has come to an end in central Ohio and school is officially back in session!
If you or your child is starting this new school year with fresh new braces, it’s possible that you could be going through some mixed emotions. Just remember that this is totally natural, and that your new braces experience definitely isn’t going to be awkward like it is in cliché Hallmark movies.
Your friends at JK Orthodontics are here to help when it comes to going back to school with braces, and we know that our tips will boost your confidence and make this fall the beginning of your best year yet!
Be Picture-Ready With an Orthodontic Toolkit
One awkward thing that braces patients need to keep in mind is that it’s more likely for food to get caught in between wires and brackets, so be sure that you’re not letting your breakfast linger on your braces into lunchtime!
By bringing an orthodontic toolkit with you to school each day, you’ll be more than prepared to keep your smile perfectly fresh and clean—while also avoiding any embarrassing moments like finding lettuce that’s been stuck in your teeth for a while!
The following items should go in your orthodontic toolkit:
- Mini toothpaste/toothbrush
- Interproxmial brush
- Floss
- Orthodontic wax
- Pocket mirror
- Mini mouthwash
- Rubber bands
- Lip balm
- Case for Line-M-Up™ or other removable appliances
And because you’ll be brining these oral health items with you to school, you should take an extra bathroom break after lunch and snacks to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A lot of Americans don’t realize this, but brushing shortly after lunch is actually a very common oral health habit in parts of Europe, Asia and South America!
Keep Your Teeth Hydrated With a Refillable Water Bottle
It’s also very important for braces patients to stay hydrated during each school day, which means that you should be filling up your favorite water bottle at least a few times per day.
There are many orthodontic advantages associated with drinking plenty of water, including:
- Strengthening your teeth
- Keeping your braces clean
- Reducing anxiety, stress and depression
- Many positive skin benefits
Don’t Risk Your Beautiful Smile While Playing Sports!
Although life is all about taking some risks and living a little, there are certain risks that braces patients don’t want to take this school year while playing sports. No one wants to inadvertently risk orthodontic emergencies and other serious issues on the court or field because they weren’t fully prepared, which is why it’s so important to invest in an orthodontic mouthguard.
Athletes who don’t wear mouthguards during braces treatment are over twice as likely to experience orofacial injuries as compared to braces patients who wear mouthguards, but the good news is that Dr. Karpac is a renowned specialist when it comes to making customized mouthguards for our patients.
So if you don’t already have a mouthguard ready for the upcoming fall sports season, be sure to let our team know and we’ll help you choose the one that’s best for you!
Bring Braces-Friendly Snacks to School
Every student needs some backup snacks at school just in case hunger strikes before or after lunchtime. By keeping some braces-friendly snacks in your locker, you’ll be ready for any inconvenient cravings.
Consider any of the following braces-approved snacks for your school days this fall:
- Muffins
- Fruit salad
- String cheese
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Soft sandwiches
- Bananas
- Pudding
- Soft tortillas
- Applesauce
- Raspberries
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
By bringing some braces-friendly snacks with you to school, you won’t feel like your options are limited at lunchtime—and you’ll also reduce your chances of feeling hungry at the end of the day when classes are over!
Avoid Crunchy, Sticky Foods
When you get thirsty at school, it’s important to avoid any temptations to drink sodas or other sugary drinks that can potentially stain your teeth and lead to other dental health issues. Even though drinking soda every now and again is perfectly fine, just be sure to wash it down with water so the soda particles aren’t sticking to your brackets and teeth for too long!
It’s also important for braces patients to avoid crunchy, sticky, raw foods like carrots, chips, apples and nuts. Braces patients also shouldn’t chew gum, ice or caramel taffy during their treatment process, because these foods can sometimes damage braces and inadvertently prolong the treatment process.
Dr. Karpac will be sure to let you know which food items are good for braces, so feel free to bring your school’s lunch menu to your next appointment and we’ll point you in the right direction toward the braces-friendly options!
Go Back to School With a Smile Thanks to JK Orthodontics!
It’s normal for teenagers to go back to school feeling anxious or nervous due to their new braces, and even experienced braces patients can sometimes get slightly more stressed than usual during this time of the year.
JK Orthodontics is a renowned orthodontic practice based in Dublin, Ohio that strives day in and day out to make every patient’s treatment journey as exciting and rewarding as possible. Be sure to reach out to us online or give us a call at 614-766-0330 when you or your child needs expert orthodontic care this fall semester!