Getting the Most Out of Braces: Your Orthodontic Care Kit

When you have braces, it’s important to be prepared when you leave the house. Metal and ceramic braces require extra, on-the-road care to keep your smile looking and feeling great. To make sure that you’re always prepared to stay on top of your orthodontic treatment needs, it’s smart to keep a little kit of essential items with you whenever you leave home.

Having the right tools makes all the difference when maintaining a bright smile. We’ve put together a quick guide for assembling your very own care kit. Take a look at what parents and patients should always have handy during orthodontic treatment!

Your Braces Care Kit

Your to-go bag for braces care doesn’t have to be big, but it should always include these four things. We recommend focusing on cleaning and comfort when deciding what to pack!

Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

When you have braces, it’s important to brush carefully and thoroughly after meals. It’s a good idea to keep a soft-bristled toothbrush in your bag (or backpack) so you can gently clean around brackets and wires whenever it’s needed.

Fluoridated Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a must for keeping your smile healthy and clean. The American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance to help protect teeth during orthodontic treatment.

Floss

Interdental cleaning, or flossing, is important for removing plaque and controlling bad breath. Pack a few disposable flossers in your kit so you can easily get between braces and teeth to make sure all the food particles are removed.

Struggling with fully flossing after meals? Change that floss out for orthodontic floss threaders (they’ll make the job a lot easier).

Dental Wax

Dental wax is particularly important for metal and ceramic braces because it helps protect your mouth from any sharp edges or wires that might be poking out of place. It’s also helpful for covering any bracket or wire edges that might be irritating your cheeks, gums, and tongue.

Extra Tools for When You’re On-the-Go

Now you know what to pack in your orthodontic care kit! Keep this handy guide in mind when packing so you can easily take care of your braces when you’re out and about. With the right tools, you’ll always be ready to smile with confidence.

In addition to the essentials above, you can also put these things in your bag, purse, or backpacks for a little bit more cleaning and comfort.

• Mouthwash: Cavities and gum disease come from bacteria hiding out in your mouth, and they can easily dull your smile with bad breath, sore gums, and gingivitis. An orthodontist-approved mouthwash can protect teeth against the worst tooth decay.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If you’ve just gotten your braces adjusted, you might need more than dental wax to keep the soreness away. Carry an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with any discomfort you are experiencing.
• Small Mirror: Worried about what’s poking your gum? Think that you might have a bit of your recent meal left in your braces? A small handheld mirror can take care of that – pronto.