The start of a new school year is a perfect time to reset your braces-care routine. Good habits now go a long way toward a healthy, beautiful smile by year’s end. Here are five simple reminders from Berkeley Family Orthodontics to kick off the school year with a happy, healthy mouth.
1. Follow the 2×2 Rule
Brush twice a day for two minutes each time. It is the foundation of both good oral hygiene and successful orthodontic treatment. To take it a step further, keep a toothbrush in your backpack or locker so you can brush after lunch too.
2. Avoid Crunchy and Sticky Foods
You have heard it before, but it matters: skip raw, crunchy foods like whole apples, carrots, chips, and nuts, and stay away from ice, gum, taffy, and caramel. These are the usual culprits behind broken brackets and bent wires, which mean extra visits and longer treatment. Our braces care guide has full food lists.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Water does double duty: it keeps you hydrated and helps rinse food and residue off your teeth and braces during the day. Bring a reusable water bottle to school, and reach for water instead of soda or sugary drinks that can stain teeth and cause cavities.
4. Plan Your Meals and Snacks
Being hungry at school is no fun, so plan braces-friendly meals and snacks ahead of time to keep your energy up without risking your braces. Check the cafeteria menu in advance so you know which days to pack a lunch.
5. Bring a Braces Care Kit
Keep the tools you need on hand: a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, threaders, flossing picks, and spare elastics. Stash an extra set of rubber bands in your locker or backpack. Wearing your elastics as directed is important because they help move your teeth, and skipping them can lengthen your treatment.
Have a Great School Year
A little preparation keeps your treatment on track all year long. If you have a question about your braces or want to schedule a consultation, call Berkeley Family Orthodontics at (510) 849-3613 or request an appointment online. Our office is at 2999 Regent Street, Suite 408, in Berkeley’s Elmwood neighborhood. Need the right braces for your student? See our types of braces page.