Now that you are back to school, cleaning and maintaining your braces can be hard. But if you don’t practice cleaning your teeth and braces after meals or snacks at school, you can get cavities, not to mention bad breath. We know you don’t want that. So, we have some tips for you to keep your braces clean at school.
Keep a Dental Kit for Keeping Your Braces Clean
When it comes to a dental care kit, adding dental supplies to your purse, backpack, or gym bag is a must! This kit is just for school and is separate from your home dental care supplies. You won’t have to worry about packing it each morning before you run off to school. Here is what you should put in your kit:
- A regular soft-bristle toothbrush
- Toothpaste of your choice (we suggest a travel size for your school kit)
- Flavored floss or floss holders
- Dental wax
- Extra bag of rubber bands
- A small travel pouch to hold all these dental supplies.
6 Tips for Keeping Your Braces Clean at School
Keeping your braces clean is essential to maintaining proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Although you probably already know to avoid sugary foods and drinks, you may not realize how important it is to keep your supply kit handy and regularly clean your teeth even at school.
- Brush your teeth after eating.
- Use dental floss when you brush, so you can be sure to remove all particles of food and debris that may be hiding in and around your braces. Platypus floss is made especially for braces.
- Use dental wax if any wires poke your lips or cheeks. This will help protect you from cuts or sores until your next appointment. If you need to use wax, it helps if you dry the tooth with a tissue so the wax will stay in place.
- Allow yourself time after meals to go to the bathroom to brush and floss.
- Avoid sugary drinks during sports or after-school activities.
- Tell your parents if you need help putting together your school dental kit.
We Can Help Too
By following the above tips, you have less chance of getting cavities. But remember, if you have any problems with your braces or feel a toothache, let your parents know and come in to see us as soon as possible. Our team at McDonough Orthodontics is here to answer any questions and check your teeth to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned and your teeth stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Dr. David McDonough