Summer is nearly over, and the weather will slowly cool down. It’s sports season, and most importantly, it’s back-to-school season for kids. Parents are often preoccupied with school uniforms, books, school fees, and other necessities for preparing their children to return to school, but sometimes overlook oral health. Your child’s teeth are just as important as their general health. As you prepare for them to return to school, Dr. Stephen Chen, your Houston Orthodontist, has the recommended oral habits for kids with braces.

Oral Hygiene Routine

Following the 2×2 brushing principle is an element of maintaining healthy teeth. This involves teaching your children to clean their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Brushing your teeth after lunch is recommended because food debris tends to become stuck between your teeth and promote plaque production. One of the reasons your child should have a braces care kit with him or her is because of this. The braces package not only helps your child maintain good dental hygiene, but it also prepares them for scenarios that may arise as a result of wearing braces. The following items should be included in the braces care kit:

• Toothbrush
• Dental wax
• Dental floss
• Lip balm

Brushing after lunch will require toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss. If your child’s braces irritate their gums, cheeks, or lips, dental wax can assist. Wax soothes discomfort, while lip balm hydrates chapped lips produced by braces.

Bring a Water Bottle with you.

Experts recommend that people drink 2 1/2 liters of water every day. Water is not only refreshing, but it also aids in a variety of bodily functions. It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking water. It also maintains the mouth clean and prevents cavities and rotting. Drinking enough of water will help keep your child from reaching for sugary beverages to quench his or her thirst. These sweet beverages discolor teeth, resulting in white patches on brackets. If your child must drink sugary beverages or soda, they should do so through a straw to avoid contact with their teeth.

Bring extra rubber bands with you.

Make sure your youngster has an extra pack of rubber bands with him or her at all times. If they have a locker, ask them to keep additional rubber bands in there in case of an emergency. Elastics are necessary for shifting the teeth and reducing treatment time. Rubber bands wear out quickly and lose their elasticity, so it’s a good idea to keep an extra set on hand.

Keep an eye on your diet.

Diet plays a significant role in oral health. Foods that are chewy, firm, or crunchy are more likely to damage your braces. Sugary foods also raise your risk of developing cavities and decay. Make dishes that are tooth-friendly for your children. Yogurt, eggs, fruit smoothies, cooked vegetables, and soft foods like spaghetti, lean meats, and macaroni and cheese are examples of these. Bananas are also advised for their high fiber and potassium content, which helps to maintain bone strength and a healthy heart.

If your child needs to eat hard fruits such as apples and pears, cut them into little pieces and teach them to chew with their back teeth. Biting into hard fruits directly is not recommended since it can destroy braces.

Remember to keep your child’s dental health in mind as you prepare to return them to school. Children who have braces must pay closer attention to their teeth. In addition to ensuring that your children clean their teeth at least twice a day, flossing should be encouraged. They should also have a brace care kit on hand in case of an emergency. Braces are food-sensitive and easily destroyed, so you should make sure your youngster consumes the correct foods. Please call Texas Orthodontic Specialists for more information or if you have any questions regarding your child’s dental health as you prepare to return to school. We’re always willing to assist!