Braces and School: Tips for Adjustment and Care
Helping Kids Adjust to Braces
Getting braces is a major milestone for kids, and starting school with them can feel like a lot to handle. Suddenly, they are figuring out how to eat, talk, and smile a little differently, all while trying to keep up with friends and classes. At Smilodon Dental, we want your kids to feel comfortable with the transition. With some preparation, braces can become just another part of the routine instead of something stressful. Continue reading for helpful back-to-school tips for your kids with braces.
Pack Your Kid a Braces-Friendly Lunch
Lunchtime is one of the biggest adjustments. The cafeteria may be full of options, but not all of them are friendly to braces. Hard or sticky foods can pop off brackets, and extra-crunchy snacks can cause discomfort. The safest bet is to pack lunches with soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, pasta, or sandwiches.
Cutting fruit into small pieces instead of biting into whole apples also makes a big difference. And while kids may ask for chewy candies, it is best to skip them to avoid a surprise trip to the dentist. A little planning at home helps kids feel more confident about lunch at school.
Help Manage Discomfort at School
It is normal for teeth and gums to be sore after braces are tightened. Parents can help their child prepare by sending them to school with orthodontic wax, which smooths over brackets that rub against the cheeks.
A small kit with wax, a travel toothbrush, and dental floss fits easily in a backpack and can save the day. If your child struggles with soreness, giving an over-the-counter pain reliever before school can also make a big difference. These small steps make it easier for kids to focus on learning instead of discomfort.
Stay on Top of Oral Hygiene
Keeping teeth clean with braces is a little more challenging, but it is also more important. Food has more places to hide, and without good habits, cavities and stains can sneak in. Encourage your child to brush after lunch with a small toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
If brushing is not possible, rinsing with water is better than nothing. Orthodontic flossers are also handy because they are designed to fit around wires and brackets. Building these habits early helps braces do their job without creating new dental issues.
Build Confidence in the Classroom
For many kids, the biggest challenge is not physical but emotional. Braces change their smile, and that can make them self-conscious. Parents can help by reminding kids that braces are common and temporary, and many of their classmates will go through the same thing.
Letting children pick the colors of their bands can make braces feel fun and personal instead of something to hide. At Smilodon Dental, we spend time talking with kids about what to expect, so they feel supported and confident as they get used to life with braces.
Prepare for Emergencies
Sometimes wires shift or a bracket comes loose. It is important for kids to know what to do if it happens at school. Orthodontic wax can cover sharp spots, and rinsing with warm salt water at home can help with irritation. If something bigger comes up, parents should call Smilodon Dental right away for advice and scheduling. Having a plan makes kids feel less anxious and more capable of handling little setbacks on their own.
Contact Smilodon Dental for Braces Care and Guidance
Braces are more than just a dental treatment; they are a step toward a healthier, more confident smile. By helping your child prepare for life with braces at school, you can make the adjustment easier and less stressful. From braces-friendly lunch tips to managing soreness and emergencies, Smilodon Dental is here to support your family every step of the way.
Call us today at 615-499-5868 to schedule your next visit or complete the online form.
