The start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement and jitters for students. For those sporting braces, there’s an added layer of anticipation. How will braces fit into the daily school routine? With a bit of preparation, the right mindset, and the expert care of Dietrich Orthodontics, navigating school with braces can be a breeze. Let’s check out Dr. Dietrich’s back-to-school tips for braces.
Mealtime Tips
Starting the school year with braces can bring about some dietary adjustments, especially during mealtimes. Whether it’s the most important meal of the day, breakfast, or lunch between classes, making the right food choices is crucial for students with braces.
Breakfast fuels our bodies for the day ahead. Choosing foods that provide energy without posing a risk to those with braces is essential for those with braces.
Soft foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, and oatmeal are excellent choices to start the day. Avoiding hard cereals or bagels that can potentially damage braces is best. Remember, the softer the food, the better!
When it comes to lunchtime, packing the right foods is critical. Opt for soft sandwiches, pasta salads, or rice dishes and steer clear of hard foods like chips or candies that can get stuck or damage the braces.
Extra Meal Tips
- Cut food into bite-sized pieces to protect the front brackets.
- Don’t eat raw veggies! Cook them until they are soft.
- Ensure your child’s soft food doesn’t have hidden surprises that could ruin their braces (nuts, seeds, bones, et cetera).
- Don’t put sticky or tough food like caramel, gum, marshmallows, beef jerky, etc., in their lunch boxes.
By making these simple adjustments to the mealtime routine, your child’s braces journey is more likely to be smooth and hassle-free. If you are uncertain if an item is safe for your child to consume, give us a call. Being cautious helps prevent broken braces and orthodontic emergencies!
Comfort Tips
The school day with braces can sometimes be uncomfortable, but being prepared can make all the difference.
If you ever feel a slight ache, especially after a wire adjustment or initial installment, the teeth are likely shifting to their new positions. Over-the-counter pain relievers, taken as directed, can be a great help in alleviating this soreness.
For those annoying moments when a wire or bracket irritates the inner cheek, orthodontic wax on hand can be a lifesaver. Pinch a small amount and apply it to the problematic area, creating a smooth barrier.
Though some tenderness is expected, your child’s braces should not hurt. If their discomfort persists or worsens, don’t hesitate to contact us at Dietrich Orthodontics.
Athletic Safety
Orthodontic braces will not hold your children back from enjoying sports and physical activities at school. However, to reduce the risk of oral injury, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. Wearing a mouthguard is essential for students participating in contact sports like football, basketball, wrestling, or soccer. They protect the teeth and provide a cushion against any impact, safeguarding the mouth’s soft tissues from the braces in the unfortunate incident of a facial hit.
The key is to stay proactive and prepared. With the proper protective gear and a bit of caution, students can fully participate in physical education classes and sports, helping them stay active and healthy while also progressing on their orthodontic journey.
First Day Prep
A bit of preparation can guarantee a smooth transition back to the classroom for orthodontic patients.
- Braces Care Kit: One of the essentials for students with braces is a care kit. The kit should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and orthodontic wax. Having these on hand lets your child make quick touch-ups after meals and addresses minor discomforts during the day.
- A Reusable Water Bottle: Prevents dry mouth and increases students’ comfort throughout the day.
- Dietary Preparations: Planning braces-friendly meals and snacks in advance gives you and your child a chance to create lunches they will eat and be excited about. You don’t want to provide them with food they won’t eat! Besides the possibility of skipping lunch, you don’t want them to trade their food for items that aren’t safe for braces.
- Open Communication: Encourage your child to communicate any concerns or discomforts they might have during the day. Teachers and school staff are there to help and can offer support if needed. It will also help your family better prepare for the next day so your child can focus on being their best and not on their braces.
- Positive Mindset: Lastly, remind your child of the bigger picture. Braces are a temporary phase that will result in a beautiful, confident smile they’ll enjoy for the rest of their lives. Starting the school year with a positive mindset can make all the difference.
Dietrich Orthodontics Can Help The Transition Into The School Year Stress-Free!
Are you ready to begin your child’s orthodontic journey? Schedule a zero-commitment, free consultation at one of our two convenient locations in Canton and Alliance, OH! Our staff takes pride in creating a welcoming environment where kids can feel comfortable so they can receive the care they need, and you can feel confident they’re getting the best care possible.
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