How to Clean Braces After Eating at School
Keeping your braces clean at school is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing issues like cavities and gum irritation. Here’s how to do it:
1. Pack a Braces Care Kit
- Travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste: Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss or floss threaders: These are essential for cleaning between your teeth and under the wires.
- Dental wax: This can help soothe any irritation caused by the braces.
- Small mirror: This will help you see what you’re doing while brushing and flossing.
- Mouthwash (optional): A fluoride mouthwash can help freshen your breath and provide extra protection.
2. Rinse Thoroughly
- After every meal or snack, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This helps remove food particles that can get stuck in your braces.
3. Brush Your Teeth
- Find a quiet place in the school bathroom, such as a stall.
- Apply toothpaste to your toothbrush and gently brush your teeth in circular motions.
- Pay special attention to the areas around your brackets and wires.
- Brush for at least two minutes.
4. Floss Your Teeth
- Use floss threaders to guide the floss under the wires and between your teeth.
- Gently floss each tooth, using a back-and-forth motion.
5. Apply Dental Wax (if needed)
- If any part of your braces is irritating your mouth, apply a small piece of dental wax to the area.
6. Rinse Again
- Rinse your mouth with water one more time to remove any remaining toothpaste or food particles.
Tips
- Bring extra supplies: Keep extra toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and dental wax in your locker or backpack in case you need them.
- Ask your orthodontist for recommendations: Your orthodontist can provide you with specific instructions and recommendations for cleaning your braces at school.
- Practice good oral hygiene at home: Brushing and flossing twice a day at home is crucial for maintaining good oral health with braces.
- Avoid sticky foods: Sticky foods like candy, gum, and caramel can get stuck in your braces and are difficult to remove.
Do’s
- Brush and floss your teeth after every meal or snack.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Apply dental wax to any areas that are irritating your mouth.
- Visit your orthodontist for regular checkups.
Don’ts
- Don’t eat hard or sticky foods.
- Don’t pick at your braces.
- Don’t use a hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Don’t skip brushing and flossing.
FAQs
- What if I don’t have access to a bathroom at school?
- Ask your teacher if you can excuse yourself to the bathroom after lunch or snacks.
- Can I use mouthwash instead of brushing?
- Mouthwash is a good supplement to brushing and flossing, but it cannot replace them.
- What if a wire is poking me?
- Use dental wax to cover the wire and protect your mouth. If the problem persists, contact your orthodontist.
By following these tips and practicing good oral hygiene, you can keep your braces clean and healthy while at school.
