Back-to-school season means busy mornings, packed lunches, sports, homework, and new routines. With so much going on, it’s easy for orthodontic care to slip down the priority list. A few simple habits can help keep your treatment on track and your smile healthy throughout the school year.
Pack braces-friendly lunches and snacks.
- Choose foods that are gentle on braces, such as yogurt, cheese, soft fruits, sandwiches, pasta, and applesauce. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like popcorn, caramel, hard candy, and ice that can damage brackets or wires.
Brush after meals when possible.
- Food can easily get trapped around braces. Pack a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and orthodontic floss (example), so your student can clean their teeth after lunch. If brushing isn’t an option, rinsing with water is a helpful alternative.
Keep an orthodontic emergency kit.
- A small kit in a backpack can be a lifesaver. Include orthodontic wax (example), a travel toothbrush, floss, lip balm, and any rubber bands or aligners your orthodontist has prescribed.
Don’t skip appointments.
- School schedules fill up quickly, but regular orthodontic visits are essential for keeping treatment progressing as planned. Be sure to schedule appointments early and mark them on the family calendar.
Protect your smile during sports.
- If your child plays football, soccer, basketball, or any contact sport, wearing an orthodontic mouthguard helps protect both braces and teeth from injury. Dr. Gentry recommends the SISU brand mouthguards.
Stay consistent with instructions.
- Whether it’s wearing rubber bands, changing aligners, or following other treatment recommendations, consistency makes a big difference. Setting reminders on a phone or using a calendar can help students build healthy habits.
A successful school year isn’t just about good grades—it’s also about maintaining healthy routines. By making orthodontic care part of the daily schedule, students can avoid unnecessary setbacks and stay on track for a beautiful, confident smile.
If you have questions about caring for braces during the school year, the team at Gentry Orthodontics is always happy to help. We wish all of our patients a safe, successful, and smile-filled school year!
Ready to set your teen up for success? Schedule your visit with Gentry Orthodontics today. A lifetime of confident smiles starts here!
Gentry Orthodontics • 661 Dunbar Cave Rd • Suite 100 • Clarksville, TN 37043 • (931) 552-5332