Juggling Braces and Dental Care After School Starts
As the school year begins, many families find themselves adjusting to a new daily routine. Between morning drop-offs, sports practices, homework, and after-school activities, it can be easy to let oral hygiene fall by the wayside. For kids with braces, maintaining a consistent dental care routine during the school year becomes even more important. At Iritani Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the challenges families face once school starts. Whether you're looking for the most trusted braces Denver has to offer or searching for a "pediatric dentist near me," our team is here to help your child stay on track.
The Challenges of School-Year Oral Care
During the summer, many kids have a more relaxed schedule, with more time for brushing, flossing, and keeping up with orthodontic appointments. But when the school bell rings, that flexible routine quickly changes. Kids are away from home for most of the day, they may forget or rush through their brushing, and they may snack on foods that aren't braces-friendly.
As a Greenwood Village orthodontist team, we see firsthand how quickly braces care can slide once school is back in session. That’s why we encourage families to be proactive. Planning ahead and establishing good habits can make a huge difference in keeping teeth healthy and orthodontic treatment on schedule.
Back-to-School Braces Survival Kit
A little preparation goes a long way. One of the best ways to help your child succeed in caring for their braces during the school year is to send them to school with an orthodontic care kit. Here’s what we recommend including:
- A travel-sized toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss picks or orthodontic floss threaders
- Orthodontic wax for poking wires or irritation
- Extra elastics (if prescribed)
- A small mirror to check for food caught in brackets
- A compact container for their aligners, if they’re using clear aligners instead of braces
Having this kit in their backpack or locker empowers your child to manage minor issues on their own and maintain oral hygiene throughout the day.
Braces-Friendly School Lunches
One of the biggest risks to braces comes from the cafeteria. Crunchy chips, sticky candies, and hard fruits like apples can all cause problems for brackets and wires. A good rule of thumb is to stick with soft foods and cut tougher items into smaller pieces.
If your child brings a lunch from home, pack braces-safe foods like pasta, scrambled eggs, smoothies, yogurt, bananas, and soft sandwiches. If they buy lunch at school, review the menu with them to help them learn what foods are safest. Avoiding broken brackets or wires means fewer unexpected trips to the orthodontist.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene at Home
After school, kids often rush through brushing or forget altogether. As a Greenwood Village orthodontist, we strongly recommend reinforcing the importance of brushing for at least two minutes twice a day and flossing once daily. For kids with braces, brushing after every meal is ideal.
Help your child create an after-school hygiene routine. Have them brush and floss when they get home before they start homework or relax. Using a water flosser at home can also make flossing easier and more effective, especially with braces.
Why Regular Checkups Still Matter
In the whirlwind of school activities, it's tempting to postpone dental and orthodontic visits. However, these appointments are essential. Regular checkups allow your orthodontist to make timely adjustments and ensure the braces are working as planned.
If your child is also due for a cleaning or has not had a recent checkup with their pediatric dentist, now is the time to book. Preventive care is key to avoiding more serious issues during treatment. If you’re searching online for a "pediatric dentist near me," look no further than the team at Iritani Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry. We offer both orthodontic and pediatric care in one place, making it easy for families to stay on top of dental health.
Coordinated Care Between Dentist and Orthodontist
When your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is important that their orthodontist and pediatric dentist are aligned. Our dual-specialty office ensures seamless communication between both sides of care. If we notice signs of tooth decay, gum inflammation, or difficulty cleaning, we can work quickly with our pediatric team to address it.
This kind of integrated care not only protects your child's smile but also reduces the number of separate appointments and simplifies scheduling for busy families.
Build Habits That Stick
The school year provides an excellent opportunity to build long-term dental habits. Encourage your child to take ownership of their braces care. Help them set reminders, track their hygiene routines, and celebrate progress. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in keeping kids motivated.
At Iritani Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we’re not just here to straighten teeth. We are committed to giving families the tools, knowledge, and support they need for lifelong dental success. Whether your child is wearing traditional braces or clear aligners, we’re here to guide you through every stage.
Let Us Help You Stay on Track
If your child is navigating the school year with braces, you do not have to manage it alone. Our experienced team is here to help you handle everything from checkups to emergencies. Whether you are looking for braces Denver families trust or searching for a "pediatric dentist near me," we invite you to contact Iritani Orthodontics today. Let us help your child maintain a healthy, beautiful smile while juggling school, sports, and everything in between.
