Going to school and just beginning your orthodontic treatment is scary, right? No! It’s actually not as scary as you may think. Chances are, some of your classmates (and even some of your teachers) are sporting braces.
To help you get used to taking, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livano, and Dr. Kotin of the Central Mass Orthodontic Associates team are sharing some helpful tips on how to take care of your braces at school.
Bring Your Braces Survival Kit
A handy dandy braces care kit is always a must-have. Without it, you’ll struggle to keep your braces clean and sparkling throughout the school day. Our expert crew, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livano, and Dr. Kotin, recommend investing in the following essentials:
- A collapsible or travel-sized interdental toothbrush
- Travel-sized fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Floss threaders
- Orthodontic wax
- OTC medications and relievers
You can store these items in a cute pouch or a toiletries bag. This makes it easy to carry your braces care kit to the restroom. Plus, having a care kit keeps your breath fresh and your braces clean throughout the day when chatting with friends.
Apply Orthodontic Wax
Our team often prescribes orthodontic wax to first-time brace patients. Orthodontic wax, or dental wax, is a product crafted from beeswax, paraffin wax, or carnauba wax and is used to help protect your mouth from any friction. Below is a short tutorial on applying orthodontic wax:
- Getting Started: Wash your hands thoroughly and brush your teeth. Use a tissue to pat dry your braces.
- Prepare Your Orthodontic Wax: Roll a pea-sized wax on your finger. The wax should soften and become warm after around five seconds.
- Application: Apply the freshly rolled wax on a bracket or wire. The wax will serve as a barrier between the metal component and your gums or inner cheek.
Even though the wax can temporarily prevent cuts, this isn’t a permanent solution! The wax will eventually break down by itself after a few hours, so replacing it twice a day will help to minimize or eliminate any discomfort you feel until you can visit us for a tune-up.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Brushing and flossing are key habits you need to do to manage your braces. After all, no one wants to enter the classroom with food stuck in between their braces and teeth.
The best time to clean your braces and floss your teeth is right after lunchtime. Brushing with braces can be a challenge — but like learning how to play a sport — it takes practice. Here are some helpful tips:
- Starting Right: Fill a cup with water and rinse your mouth to soften stuck food particles.
- Angles Matter: Squeeze an adequate amount of fluoride toothpaste on your toothbrush. Tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle to brush below and above the brackets. Do this in a circular motion for 20 to 30 seconds on each side, top and bottom.
- The Inside of Your Teeth: With the toothbrush facing upwards in a vertical position, clean the back of your upper teeth in a back-and-forth motion. Turn your brush downwards and do the same for your lower teeth. This step can be completed within 20 to 30 seconds.
- Don’t Forget the Hard-to-Reach Areas: With the toothbrush facing downwards, brush all the teeth at the back of your mouth in a circular motion. This should take around 20 to 30 seconds.
At first, flossing with braces will take a bit longer. Of course, this should get easier as you practice and improve. Here’s how to floss your teeth:
- Preparing to Thread: Prepare your dental floss (approximately 18 to 24 inches) and floss threader. Insert the floss into the tool and thread the pointy end under the wire.
- Flossing: We suggest wrapping the floss around your index fingers for easier flossing. Hold the floss taut as you remove stuck food from your teeth. Avoid vigorous flossing to prevent gum issues.
Avoid Sticky and Crunchy Foods
Chocolate, chewing gum, and hard bread are some of the worst enemies of braces. Eating these types of foods can cause some serious damage to your braces. To prevent further damage and potential repair costs, here are a couple of foods that are gentle and safe for braces:
- Yogurt and dairy products
- Pasta and noodles
- Soft fruits and veggies
- Hull-less popcorn
- Pancakes
- Omelets
- Soups
- Mashed potatoes
Be sure to keep your eyes open for these tasty foods in the school cafeteria during lunchtime. Or you can prepare and pack these items yourself to bring for your school lunch. For healthy treats like apples, consider cutting them into smaller pieces for easier chewing and less discomfort.
Make Your Braces Treatment A Success
Patient compliance is the foundation of a successful braces treatment. When you take care of your braces at school (and at home), you’re taking charge of the health and beauty of your smile.
What are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment in our Worcester, Spencer, or Auburn office, and we’ll help you reach your smile goals.