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As summer winds down and the school year begins, students with braces may face a few new challenges—from lunch choices to keeping up with oral hygiene between classes. Here are a few simple tips Dr. Azizi suggests as your child heads back to school with their braces:

1. Pack Braces-Friendly Snacks
Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that can damage brackets. Instead, pack soft snacks like yogurt, applesauce, string cheese, or cut-up fruits.

2. Create a Braces Care Kit
A small pouch with essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss threaders, orthodontic wax, and a mirror can be a lifesaver after lunch or during discomfort.

3. Drink Lots of Water
Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day. It helps rinse away food particles and keeps their mouth fresh—especially important when brushing isn't immediately possible.

4. Wear a Mouthguard for Sports
If your child plays contact sports, make sure they wear an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their teeth and braces.

5. Keep Up Appointments with Dr. Azizi
With the school year getting busy, don't forget to keep your child's orthodontic check-ups on the calendar. Consistent adjustments help treatment stay on track.

A little preparation goes a long way in making the school year easier for students with braces. If you have any concerns or questions, Dr. Azizi is here to help!

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Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids and teens—and having braces shouldn't get in the way of the fun! Here are Dr.Azizi's top tips for parents sending a child with braces to camp.

1. Pack a Braces Care Kit
Essentials include:
A travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
Floss or orthodontic flossers
Wax for braces (to soothe irritation)
A mirror (to check for food or issues)
Orthodontic elastics (if prescribed)
A retainer case (if wearing one)

2. Stick to Braces-Safe Snacks
Many camps offer sticky, crunchy, or chewy treats that can damage brackets or wires. Talk to your child.
Encourage soft options like fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks, or sandwiches.

3. Teach Them How to Handle Minor Emergencies
If a bracket breaks or a wire pokes, your child should know:
Use wax to cover anything sharp
Ask a counselor for help contacting you
Know it's okay to call Dr. A—he is happy to guide you remotely

4. Keep Us in the Loop
If your child will be at camp during a scheduled appointment, let us know as soon as possible so we can adjust their treatment plan or reschedule. We want to keep everything on track!

Final Tip: Don't forget to snap a photo before they head off—camp memories are even better with braces-covered smiles!

Brushing is especially important when you have braces or aligners because these appliances create more places for food and plaque to hide, increasing the risk of dental problems. Here's why brushing matters even more during orthodontic treatment:

1. Prevents Cavities
Braces and aligners trap food and bacteria more easily. If not brushed away, this can lead to plaque buildup and eventually cause cavities—especially around brackets or under aligner trays.
2.Protects Gums from Inflammation
Plaque buildup irritates the gums, leading to swelling, bleeding, or even gingivitis. Brushing well helps keep your gums healthy, which is essential during orthodontic treatment.
3.Avoids Permanent Stains
If you don't brush properly around braces, you can develop white spots (decalcification) on your teeth. These are permanent marks that become visible once the braces are removed.

Quick Tips:

Brush after every meal and before putting aligners back in.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush.
Angle your brush to clean around brackets and under wires.
Don't forget to floss daily, even if it's harder with braces.