"Bracing" for School

Whether you're back in the classroom — or attending class from the kitchen table — making the transition back after a long summer can be a challenge, especially for kids starting the year with braces for the first time. To help ensure it goes smoothly, for both patients and parents, here are some tips to help keep your braces intact and your smile shining.

?Grab Some H20
?Carry a water bottle in your backpack or grab a glass from the kitchen sink if you’re thirsty during the day. Drinking plenty of water will help keep you hydrated, remove food particles from your teeth and will wash away sugar, acid and bacteria that can harm your mouth.

?2×4
?It’s an easy math problem, and it’s also a solution to help keep teeth clean and healthy. Brushing 2 minutes, 4 times per day will keep teeth sparkling, and will help get you through your next orthodontist appointments a lot quicker. If finding a space to brush your teeth while at school is a challenge, swish vigorously with some water and brush as soon as you get home.

?Prepare Your Backpack
?Keeping a brace-kit in your backpack is a great idea and can help keep your teeth sparkling, plus prepare you for any orthodontic emergencies. A brace-kit should look something like this:

• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Floss
• Wax
• Rubber bands
• Retainer Case

Lunch Time
?Without the peering eyes of mom and dad, it can be tempting to indulge on foods that can damage or break wires and brackets. Be sure to avoid sticky, gooey, crunchy and hard foods. If lunch hour happens at home, having easy access to brace-friendly foods will help thwart the temptation.

?Grab a Mouth Guard
?When playing sports, or during any physical activity, a properly fitted mouth guard is an important piece of equipment. It will not only protect your braces, it will also protect your teeth and jaw. See your orthodontist for a mouth guard made specifically for braces.

There’s Still Some Time Left! If summer passed you by, and you didn’t make it to the orthodontist for your appointment, back-to-school time is a great time to schedule your first appointment. Associated Orthodontists offers complimentary consultations, flexible and interest-free payment options and is a participating provider with most major insurance carriers.To find a location near your, or to schedule an appointment, visit greatbraces.com.