How To Take Care of My Braces at School?

Braces are a conversation starter at school. They not only can bring you tons of new friends but also a smile you and your classmates love to see. While there is some satisfaction that comes with the “oohs” and “awes’ of showing them off to your classmates and teachers, are you ready to take care of your braces at school? 

Fortunately, taking care of your braces doesn’t have to be a dreadful experience. Dr. Dudley and the Dudley Smiles team are here to share seven student-friendly tips on braces care. 

Eat the Right Foods

The school cafeteria can be a treasure trove of all kinds of tasty foods that are bad for your metal or clear braces. Though they’re tempting, Dr. Dudley recommends sticking to braces-friendly meals, such as:

• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Mac and cheese
• Nut-free cereals
• Soft bread, fruits, and vegetables
• Ground beef or chicken
• Shredded chicken
• Eggs
• Fish
• Mashed potatoes
• Fruit smoothies

However, if you can’t help but order food like pizza, we suggest removing the crust for easy chewing. Cutting apples and other crunchy foods into bite-sized bits is also a good practice, too. This reduces the likelihood of braces damage and makes eating more comfortable after you’ve just gotten your braces adjusted. 

In addition, limit soda and sugary beverages, as they can cause staining and oral issues. Good substitutes for high-sugar drinks are classic H2O and milk, which provide hydration and calcium, respectively.

Keep Your Chewing Habits In Check

School can be a source of stress and boredom. To cope, some of our patients in Issaquah chew an eraser or bite their nails. Not only are these habits unhygienic, but they can also loosen the metal components of your braces.

In this case, we suggest recognizing your triggers and bringing a stress ball or fidget toy to school. Whether it’s a nerve-wracking exam or presentation, you’ll have healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with anything school throws at you, saving your braces from damage and emergencies.

Pack Your Braces Care Kit

You can’t leave home without your braces care kit. Inside this kit are the following essentials:

• Travel-sized soft-bristled toothbrush
• Dental floss or interdental brush
• Orthodontic wax 
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Compact mirror
• OTC medications
• A small cup

With these items handy, you’ll be more than equipped to take on any challenge thrown at you, including taking care of your oral hygiene and your braces at school. 

Put On A Mouthguard

Braces are not a hindrance to physical activity. But because of the unpredictability of sports, wearing a mouthguard is a must. A mouthguard is a medical-grade dental appliance worn over your teeth to protect them from impact and sports-related injuries. 

It also prevents the wire from dislodging and poking your inner cheeks. Think of the mouthguard as a helmet but for your smile and braces. At Dudley Smiles, we have mouthguards made especially for braces. Because these mouthguards encourage teeth movement, they won’t affect your treatment’s progress.

Brush Your Teeth After Lunch

Brushing with braces requires caution and patience, as food can easily get stuck between teeth and the appliance. 

Not cleaning properly can lead to dental problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. Following these tips from Dr. Dudley and his smile team, you’ll learn how to brush your teeth and braces with ease:

• Step 1: Rinse your mouth with a cup of water. Rinsing helps soften the food particles in your teeth and braces. 

• Step 2: Apply fluoride toothpaste to your soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush your teeth and brackets at a 45-degree angle in a circular motion. This step should take about 20 to 30 seconds on each side to complete.

• Step 3: For 20 to 30 seconds, brush the inner part of your upper teeth by angling your toothbrush upwards. Turning your toothbrush downwards, do the same for the lower teeth. 

• Step 4: For 20 to 30 seconds, clean the teeth at the back of your mouth, making sure to dislodge food from hard-to-reach areas 

After brushing, your braces will look as good as new. Brushing often takes two to three minutes, but you may need more time depending on your needs. 

Bring Out Your Interdental Brush

If you find flossing to be a bit of a struggle, you can try using an interdental brush. Interdental brushes boast fine bristles that make cleaning between the teeth easier and faster. The handle, while ergonomic, is shorter than an average toothbrush. 

This tool works the same as floss, except you don’t have to thread it into a floss threader. Simply place the interdental brush between your teeth and move the tool back and forth until all food scraps have been removed. 

Practice Braces First-Aid

No bandages are needed here. When it comes to braces first-aid, all you need is a good ol’ orthodontic wax or, if needed, OTC medications. 

For loose brackets, use your finger or a firm object to try and secure them into place. Use orthodontic wax to prevent it from falling in the middle of the school day. If a wire breaks, apply wax at the tip to avoid it from poking your mouth and any irritation. 

These first-aid tips are your first line of defense. However, as these are only temporary fixes, you’ll need to contact Dr. Dudley to schedule an appointment. 

Let Us Help You!

Taking proper care of your braces rewards you with a healthy smile and good oral hygiene. 

Call our Issaquah office or fill out our online appointment form to set up an appointment with Dr. Dudley and the rest of the Dudley Smiles team. We hope to see you soon!