As the laid back days of summer wind
to a close, for many students back-to-school means a new start—from new lockers
and teachers to a fresh outlook on the school year. It can also mean a renewed
focus on healthier habits from eating right to better hygiene, especially if
you wear braces. I suggest two must-haves students with
braces should pack everyday to move to the head of the class.
Pack Lunch without a Punch
If you have ever had your braces
tightened, chances are your mouth and teeth were probably sore. While you
probably want to avoid foods that cause or contribute to mouth pain, it does
not mean you have to skimp on flavor or fun. There are several ways to steer
clear of foods that can cause pain or damage to your braces.
- Pack your lunch – This will help you control temptations to eat foods you should avoid (See tip #2) while wearing braces.
- Avoid the crunch – Crunchy foods such as raw carrots, pretzels, nuts and tortilla chips are just a few of the foods that can wreak havoc on your braces and mouth. Try pita bread with hummus and salsa as a tasty alternative.
- Slice, dice and mash – Make whole foods such as apples, peaches, pears and plums bite-sized and manageable by cutting them into pieces. Enjoy foods that can easily be mashed such as potatoes, bananas and avocados and softer foods such as quinoa, pasta, coleslaw and applesauce.
- Skip gummy foods – Chewing gum, taffy, gooey fruit snacks and roll-ups can all stick to braces like glue. Trade-in gooey foods for yogurts, puddings and muffins that won’t coat your teeth.
- Erase sugary sweets – Sugar can breed bacteria on your braces. While it may be hard to avoid sugary sodas and candy completely, remember to brush your teeth after sweets.
Students wearing braces face unique challenges, from popped wires to food caught
in brackets. Since a majority of students’ time is spent at school, and not at
home, a dental toolkit in a backpack or locker allows for maintenance while on
the go. Ashburn Orthodontics suggests 10 tools to include in a kit to keep students’
minds off their mouths and head in the books:
- Dental wax for sores and scrapes
- Floss made for orthodontic care
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Compact mirror to check for trapped food
- Small (collapsible) cup for rinsing
- Cream or gel to soothe sore gums approved by your orthodontist
- A spiral dental brush
- Interdental picks
- Protective mouth guard for sports
- Lip balm
Sporting a “grade A” smile has never
been easier. Beyond braces, there are several treatment options to straighten
teeth and not all require metal and wires. Click here to learn more about the latest orthodontic treatment options and to
schedule a free consultation.