Last Updated on
Your child just got their braces on over summer vacation and is still sporting the red, white and blue color bands she picked out to help celebrate Fourth of July! School is fast approaching and you’re just about to embark on the annual back-to-school shopping trip over the tax-free holiday set this year for August 5-7. So what will your child need in their backpack to make back-to-school with braces a breeze?
Here’s your list of backpack essentials!
BACK TO SCHOOL WITH BRACES BACKPACK ESSENTIALS
Portable toothbrush and toothpaste. If your child can manage it at school, it’s best if they brush after lunch. Pack a small toothbrush and tube of toothpaste!
Rubber bands. Rubber bands are one of the most important parts of an orthodontic treatment if prescribed. Keeping a bag of rubber bands handy for ease of replacement is a great idea for keeping your child right on schedule with their treatment.
Dental wax. For the times there’s that one irritating spot or pokey wire, pack wax for comfort.
Retainer case. This is an important one! If your child goes to school with retainers or any other removable device, pack a case so the retainer doesn’t perform a disappearing act involving a napkin and a lunch tray…
KEEPING BRACES CLEAN IS IMPORTANT FOR A FABULOUS SMILE AFTER BRACES!
Lip balm. Some children find lip balm eases dry lips, which is common with braces. If you child uses it, pack it!
Mouthguard for sports. If your child is playing any kind of sports right after school, make sure to pack their mouth-guard to protect those precious pearly whites!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY
If your child has something happen during the school day with their braces and you are not sure what to do: Have your child take a photo, or have the nurse take a photo and email or text it to your orthodontist. In most cases, whatever is happening is not urgent and can be taken care of over the phone immediately. And you’ve just saved yourself an extra visit to the orthodontist! Isn’t technology great!?
This is an article first appeared in Reston was written by Astrid Tisseront, public relations coordinator for Tisseront Orthodontics. Tisseront Orthodontics specializes in orthodontics for children and adults in Reston, VA. Call: 703-773-1200.
Back to School with Braces
