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It’s that time of year and if you are new to the brace world or need a refresher here are some ideas and thoughts to keep in mind when packing lunch for someone with braces:

Soft foods are always easier and more comfortable to eat and are less likely to be caught in braces.  However choices like gummies, fruit roll ups, taffy etc. will stick like glue!

If you/your child has just had their braces tightened, their mouth may be sore so providing pre-sliced fruit (thinly sliced), yogurt, pudding may be better options for these days.

Some other brace friendly suggestions:

• Banana slices, grape halves, and thinly cut (peeled) apples (dip them all in a bit of lemon juice to keep them from browning)
• Canned peaches or pears, fruit cocktail and Mandarin orange slices
• Applesauce or any of the mixed fruit “sauces” in individual servings
• Thin carrot-curls made with a scraper, plus a small container of grated cheese or hummus, with torn-up fresh pita bread for scooping
• Individual pudding and yogurt cups
• Avocadoes sliced or mashed

The goal is to be soft enough to chew, healthy and filling to keep their mind and teeth strong.  Happy School Days!

It’s that time of year and if you are new to the brace world or need a refresher here are some ideas and thoughts to keep in mind when packing lunch for someone with braces:

Soft foods are always easier and more comfortable to eat and are less likely to be caught in braces.  However choices like gummies, fruit roll ups, taffy etc. will stick like glue!

If you/your child has just had their braces tightened, their mouth may be sore so providing pre-sliced fruit (thinly sliced), yogurt, pudding may be better options for these days.

Some other brace friendly suggestions:

• Banana slices, grape halves, and thinly cut (peeled) apples (dip them all in a bit of lemon juice to keep them from browning)
• Canned peaches or pears, fruit cocktail and Mandarin orange slices
• Applesauce or any of the mixed fruit “sauces” in individual servings
• Thin carrot-curls made with a scraper, plus a small container of grated cheese or hummus, with torn-up fresh pita bread for scooping
• Individual pudding and yogurt cups
• Avocadoes sliced or mashed

The goal is to be soft enough to chew, healthy and filling to keep their mind and teeth strong.  Happy School Days!

At Kennell Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Alan Kennell.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Kennell if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Kennell Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/KennellOrtho

It is the season of Back-to-School, with all the excitement and anxieties that come with it. This can also be true for children, and parents of children undergoing orthodontic treatment.

One way to put both parents and children at ease when it comes to orthodontics at school is to discuss a “Plan of Action”. If you and your child understand the plan ahead of time, it will help ensure a successful (orthodontic!) school year!

Here are some recommendations for your Orthodontic “Back-to-School Action Plan”

• Bring a toothbrush to school – It’s always best to brush your teeth after you eat lunch. A quick brushing doesn’t take long and will help keep your teeth and braces free of food, which helps to avoid cavities and/or permanent staining on your teeth, as well as bad breath!

• Drink Water – Bring a water bottle to school and drink throughout the day. This helps to keep your mouth clean by rinsing away large food particles stuck in your braces after eating. Keep a toothbrush in your locker in a toothbrush case along with some toothpaste, and you will never have to remember to bring it to school.

• Packing your lunch and snacks – When packing lunches and snacks, avoid foods that are hard, sticky, chewy or crunchy to prevent bending wires or breaking braces. If you like hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, cut them into smaller pieces before you leave for school. Biting into hard fruits and veggies can damage your braces, which can cause discomfort and could lengthen your time in braces.

• Retainers – Bring your retainer case with you to school. Make sure to always place the retainer in the case whenever it is out of your mouth, and make sure your retainer case is labeled or has a unique marking or pattern on it, to avoid accidentally mixing it up with your friend’s. Many patients who need retainers replaced have forgotten to bring their case to school and left their retainers on a lunch tray or in their lunch bag where it’s likely to disappear in the garbage. Replacement retainers can be quite costly and it’s no fun to look in the trash to look for your lost retainer! Ewwwwwww…

• Rubber bands – Don’t forget to change your rubber bands and bring a supply with you to keep in your desk, backpack or locker! A great idea is to have an orthodontic baggie in your locker that has everything you need to take care of your orthodontic appliances, and to make sure your mouth stays clean and comfortable while you’re at school.

• Do you play a Sport? – Protecting your braces during sports not only protects your teeth from accidents but also protects your braces!!

• Lastly, Don’t forget to SMILE! – Show off your beautiful smile to your friends and teachers!