School Tips For Patients With Braces

At SmilesForever Orthodontics, we do our best to remind our patients about the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene at their appointments and appreciate the support you provide at home. Dr. Brad Gilbert, Dr. Adam Wells and our SmilesForever team are aware that the 2020-21 school year has been shaping up a little differently for many of our patients. Whether digital learning has been elected, as for many in Gwinnett County, or students are in the classroom this fall, we want to remind our patients of the importance of their oral hygiene care during the school year.

For parents, this means helping to prepare your child with the essentials they need to keep their braces clean at school and at home. Below, you’ll find some helpful tips to make caring for braces as easy as possible.

Keep Up With Oral Hygiene

Busy class schedules, homework, sports & extra curricular activities can make it hard to focus on oral health. However, failing to follow a regular oral hygiene routine may hinder orthodontic treatments and can lead to tooth decay. Remember to brush & floss as recommended for best results, whether at school or at home.

Pack a Braces Care Kit

Carry a braces care kit with you wherever you go. Your kit should include:

Orthodontic wax
Floss and threaders
Toothbrush
Small mirror
Proxy brush
Rubber bands if instructed
Toothpaste

The care kit should be small enough to carry around in a book bag, backpack, or purse. The kit can be easily kept next to the computer when digitally learning or completing school projects at home. We’re all about helping your child eliminate excuses for not being proactive about their oral health!

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Warning - hard, crunchy, sticky and chewy foods, along with foods high in sugar should be avoided while wearing braces! We have provided you with a list of foods to avoid at your initial braces appointments. These warning foods can potentially damage your braces by breaking your brackets of wires. This could delay the treatment process, and be uncomfortable before its fixed by your orthodontist. We’re always here to help if you have questions and will be happy to provide you with another list of foods to avoid if you need one.

Finishing Your Homework

If you are instructed to wear elastics, they are now a homework task! If you add them to your daily homework list you will be more diligent in making sure to complete the hours of wear directed, in order to progress your treatment.

Keep Your Orthodontic & Dental Appointments

The school year typically tends to get pretty busy. Whether busy at home or at school, just remember, your braces need to be tightened and checked regularly for best results. Also, regular visits to your dentist are necessary to spot cavities, and any early signs of gum disease, so don’t forget to visit your dentist this fall.

To schedule your fall appointment with us, please give us a call at (770) 963-3963 or any of our local offices in Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch and Loganville. When scheduling a new appointment you are also welcome to complete our online appointment request form. Please call us directly and we’ll be happy to help you make changes to your existing appointments if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy fall and school year! We hope you enjoyed learning about the best ways to care for your braces.

 

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