Every parent with a young child has a “to-go” bag that they bring with them whenever they leave the house. It typically includes things like snacks, band-aids, tissues, hand sanitizer, and many other items “just in case.” If your child has braces, there are a few items they should never leave the house without, and below, you’ll find the basics of a braces survival kit that will give you peace of mind every time they grab it.
Toothpaste, Toothbrush, & Floss
Ideally, a child should clean their braces and teeth after every meal and snack, and having travel-sized oral hygiene products on-hand makes this nice and simple. Taking a few minutes to brush and floss their teeth, no matter where they might be, will help dramatically lower your child’s risk for tooth decay that could potentially throw off their treatment timeline.
Water
After your child has cleaned their teeth, they’ll likely want to rinse their mouth, so having a refillable water bottle is very helpful. Not only will water wash away the toothpaste, but it will also give your child’s mouth a nice rinse, removing excess food particles.
Orthodontic Wax
Initially, braces can cause some sore spots in the mouth, and placing orthodontic wax on these areas can help eliminate the discomfort. That’s why it’s smart to always have some, as it can help keep your child comfortable so they can stay calm and happy.
Small Mirror
If your child gets a small piece of food stuck in their braces, it can be extremely difficult to tell exactly where it is without being able to see it. While every phone these days has a selfie camera, a small makeup mirror is much better at seeing things up close.
Another tip is to have your child’s orthodontist’s number programmed into your phone, so if you ever have any questions, or your child has a problem, you can quickly call them up and get the answers you need. Whether you’re dealing with a broken bracket or lost rubber band, it’s always better to talk to their orthodontist rather than just look up something online.
As a parent, you already have a lot to think (and worry) about. By putting together this braces survival kit, your child can be prepared for anything while they’re away from home, and you can breathe easy knowing that their treatment is staying on track.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a board-certified, award-winning orthodontist based in the Columbus area. As a father of three young boys, he knows how stressful it can be to leave the house with children with or without braces, so he’s always happy to offer advice to parents to make life easier. For more daily tips on how to help your child with their orthodontic treatment, or to get them started with braces, you can get in touch with Shirck Orthodontics by clicking here.