Many children have to go through the somewhat awkward experience of having braces. It is almost a rite of passage. Choosing Invisalign over regular metal braces has many benefits, but braces can still be the right choice for some children.

As students come back to school with braces or Invisalign for the first time, their routines at lunch and after may need to change a bit. Below are four things to pack for your child when he or she has Invisalign or braces.

The best foods for their lunchbox.

If you have a child with braces, choosing what to pack for lunch becomes a little more difficult. Avoid food that is hard, chewy, or requires a tearing motion. Soups, pasta, and soft bread are all great options for children with braces. Luckily, with Invisalign your child can take them out before eating. However, you still want to be cautious not to give them food that is overly difficult to eat or that can get stuck in their teeth. Because their teeth are still being realigned, keeping them free of extra pressure or plaque is imperative.

Snacks that won’t do any harm

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but with braces, an apple will bring you right back to the orthodontist. Opt for other, softer fruit like oranges, watermelon, and bananas. While candy is certainly not recommended, if they do indulge in more sugary snacks, make sure they choose desserts like ice cream, pudding, or soft cookies.

A floss pick

This is an easy, convenient way to get food from between teeth. Braces make regular flossing impossible, so carrying around a floss pick or two during school is especially beneficial. They will thank you when they are able to get that piece of food out from between two braces quickly and easily.

A travel toothbrush

Now it may be wishful thinking to think that your child will go this far for his or her teeth, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt to pack a small toothpaste and brush so they can clean out their teeth putting their Invisalign back in or to more thoroughly ensure that no food gets stuck between braces.

Serenity Dental of Rocklin

SerenityDental.net(916) 630-1084