5718 Balcones Dr., Austin, TX 78731
512-458-4103
Taking care of your braces at school involves a few extra steps, but it’s very doable! At Austin Orthodontic Arts, Dr. Naj and Dr. Salome are here to help. Our team are experts in making braces work for you, whether you’re at home or in class. Based in Austin, our practice focuses on giving you the best care and tips to keep your braces in great shape. Let’s dive into some simple and smart ways to take care of your braces while you’re hitting the books this fall.
Keep Your Mouth Fresh
Maintaining fresh breath and a clean mouth is key when you have braces at school. Here are some tips to help you keep things clean and comfortable throughout the day.
Brush and Floss
After lunch, take a few minutes to brush your teeth. For convenience, use a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste. Flossing is also important to remove food particles stuck between your braces. Use floss threaders to make it easier to clean around wires and brackets.
Use Mouthwash
Rinsing quickly with mouthwash can help keep your mouth feeling fresh and clean. It’s great for reaching places your toothbrush might miss. Pack a small bottle of mouthwash in your braces care kit. If necessary, make a pitstop for a swish between classes.
Stay Prepared
Always have your braces care kit with you. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. Keeping these items handy helps you stay on top of your oral hygiene routine, even with a busy school schedule. Your friends and teachers will appreciate your fresh breath, and you’ll feel more confident, too!
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Our Austin Orthodontic Arts team suggests that you have an emergency braces kit with you at school. It’s a smart way to handle any unexpected issues. Here’s what to include to keep your braces in check and stay comfortable all day.
Essential Items
Pack a small container with these essentials: orthodontic wax, a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, and a small mirror. The wax helps if a wire or bracket starts to irritate your mouth, and the toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss will help you clean your teeth after meals.
Quick Fixes
Sometimes, a bracket or wire can come loose. A small pair of tweezers can help you temporarily reposition a wire until you can see Dr. Naj or Dr. Salome. A small mirror can also be handy to check your braces for any issues.
Stay Ready
Keep your emergency kit in your backpack or locker. Being prepared means you can quickly handle any braces issues and get back to focusing on your school day. It’s all about staying comfortable and confident!
Smart Eating Habits
Eating the right foods is important when you have braces. If you need recipe ideas, check with our expert Austin Orthodontic Arts team members at your next appointment. Making smart choices can keep your braces intact and your teeth healthy. Here are some tips for eating at school.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can damage your braces and extend your treatment. Avoid hard candies, nuts, popcorn, and sticky snacks like caramel and chewing gum. These can break brackets and wires or get stuck, making it harder to keep your braces clean.
Braces-Friendly Snacks
There are plenty of tasty and safe snacks to enjoy with braces. Soft foods like yogurt, cheese, smoothies, and soft fruits are great options. These snacks are easy to chew and won’t harm your braces. For lunch, consider packing soft sandwiches, pasta, or soups. Slice your food into tinier, more manageable pieces to make eating easier and safer.
Pack Wisely
When packing your lunch, think about what will be easiest to eat with braces. Include various braces-friendly options and leave out anything too crunchy or sticky. Now, you can have your meals without worrying about damaging your braces. Eating smart keeps your braces in good shape and your treatment on track.
Stay Comfortable
Keeping your braces comfortable at school is important. Here are some tips from Dr. Naj and Dr. Salome to help you manage any irritation and stay at ease throughout the day.
Use Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax is great for easing irritation caused by your braces. If a bracket or wire is rubbing against your mouth, apply a small piece of wax to the area. This creates a smooth barrier, reducing friction and pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If your braces make your teeth sore, especially after an adjustment, our Austin Orthodontic Arts team recommends taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These can help reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions and check with a parent or guardian before taking any medication.
Saltwater Rinse
A simple saltwater rinse can soothe your mouth and help heal any sores caused by your braces. Stir about a teaspoon of salt into a cup or glass of warm water. Swish it around in your mouth for about half a minute before spitting. Doing this a couple of times a day can provide relief and keep your mouth feeling fresh.
Attend Your Appointments
Regular orthodontic check-ups are crucial for keeping your braces treatment on track. Dr. Naj and Dr. Salome at Austin Orthodontic Arts will monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments. Skipping appointments can delay your treatment and extend the time you need to wear braces.
Take Your Braces to School at Austin Orthodontic Arts
Keep your braces away from the school of hard knocks at Austin Orthodontic Arts. Our Austin patients always know how to take care of their orthodontic appliances. We make sure of that. Still have questions? Go here to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Naj or Dr. Salome.