Back-to-School Braces Guide: Tips for a Comfortable and Healthy Smile

The return to school means getting back into routines – early mornings, packed lunches, sports, homework and everything in between. If your child or teenager is wearing braces, it is also a good opportunity to get their orthodontic routine back on track.

A few simple habits can make looking after braces at school much easier, helping to keep teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of damaged brackets or wires.

Here are our top back-to-school braces tips for a comfortable and healthy smile.

1. Make brushing part of the school-day routine

Braces create extra spaces where food and plaque can collect, so maintaining good oral hygiene is particularly important during orthodontic treatment.

The Dental Health Foundation notes that the Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends brushing three times a day while wearing braces, along with interdental cleaning and the use of a fluoride mouthwash between brushings.

Encourage your child to keep a small toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste in their school bag or locker so they can clean their teeth after lunch where possible.

When brushing with fixed braces:

• Brush carefully around the brackets and wires.
• Pay particular attention to the gumline.
• Use an interdental brush to reach underneath the wire and between brackets.
• Take your time – brushing may take a little longer when wearing braces.

A small braces care kit can make this much easier during the school day.

2. Pack a braces-friendly school lunch

Wearing braces doesn’t mean giving up all your favourite foods, but some small changes can help protect brackets and wires from damage.

Hard, crunchy, sticky and chewy foods can cause problems for fixed braces. Foods such as whole apples, raw carrots or crusty bread can still be enjoyed, but it is better to cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces rather than biting directly into them.

Some easy braces-friendly lunchbox options include:

• Sandwiches made with softer bread
• Pasta or rice dishes
• Yoghurt
• Cheese
• Soft fruit such as bananas or berries
• Apples or pears cut into small pieces
• Cooked vegetables
• Soup
• Soft wraps
• Scrambled or boiled eggs

Try to avoid sticky sweets, hard sweets, popcorn, nuts and chewing gum, which may become caught in or damage braces.

Keeping sugary snacks and drinks to a minimum is also important, as plaque can build up around braces and increase the risk of tooth decay.

3. Create a school braces kit

A little preparation can make dealing with braces at school much less stressful.

Consider putting together a small kit containing:

• A travel toothbrush
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Interdental brushes
• Orthodontic wax
• A small mirror
• Spare orthodontic elastics, if prescribed by your orthodontist
• A protective case if your child uses a removable appliance

Keep it in a pencil case or small wash bag so everything is easy to find when needed.

4. Be prepared for some discomfort after adjustments

It is normal for teeth to feel tender for a short period after braces are fitted or adjusted. The British Orthodontic Society advises that soreness may last around three to five days following an adjustment. Orthodontic wax can also help if a bracket or wire is rubbing against the cheeks or lips.

If your child has an adjustment appointment during the school term, softer foods may be more comfortable for the first few days.

If discomfort continues for more than a few days, becomes particularly painful or you are concerned about anything, contact your orthodontic team for advice.

5. Don’t forget the mouthguard

Back to school often means a return to GAA, rugby, hockey and other sports.

A properly fitting mouthguard helps protect the teeth and mouth during activities where there is a risk of impact. Mouthguards can also be used with orthodontic braces, helping to protect both the appliance and the inside of the mouth.

If your child wears braces and takes part in sport, speak to their orthodontist or dentist about the most appropriate mouthguard for them. As teeth move throughout orthodontic treatment, the fit may need to be checked or changed.

6. Don’t ignore a broken brace

A loose bracket or broken wire can happen from time to time, particularly if something hard or sticky has been eaten.

If something breaks, don’t wait until the next routine appointment to mention it. The British Orthodontic Society recommends contacting your orthodontic practice as soon as reasonably possible, as breakages can interfere with treatment.

If a wire or bracket is rubbing, orthodontic wax may help keep the area comfortable until you can speak with your orthodontic team.

7. Keep orthodontic appointments in the calendar

Between school, activities and busy family schedules, orthodontic appointments can easily get forgotten.

Regular appointments allow your orthodontic team to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. Continuing routine check-ups with your general dentist is also important while wearing braces so the health of the teeth and gums can be monitored throughout treatment.

Adding appointments to the family calendar as soon as they are booked can help avoid clashes with school or after-school activities.

Start the school year with a healthy smile

Getting used to braces at school may take a little time, but before long, caring for them should become just another part of the daily routine.

A braces-friendly lunch, a small dental kit in the school bag and a few extra minutes spent cleaning each day can all help keep orthodontic treatment on track.

If you have questions about your child’s braces, are considering orthodontic treatment or would like to learn more about the options available, contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice today.

Our teams are here to help you and your family feel confident about your smile throughout every stage of your orthodontic journey.