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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.

Orthodontic treatment can cause some discomfort, but it's generally not considered painful in a severe sense. Dr. Azizi will give you breakdown of what you can expect:

1. When Braces or Aligners Are First Placed
• Braces: You might feel soreness or pressure in your teeth and jaw for a few days as your mouth adjusts.
• Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign): Mild tightness or pressure is common, especially when switching to a new set of trays.
Pain level: Mild to moderate dull ache or tenderness. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen usually help.
2. After Adjustments
• With braces, tightening the wires or changing bands can lead to a few days of soreness.
• Aligners may cause mild discomfort each time you switch to a new tray.
Pain level: Typically less than the initial fitting. Often described as pressure or sensitivity, not sharp pain.
3. Irritation of Mouth Tissues
Brackets, wires, or trays may irritate your lips, cheeks, or tongue at first.
Solution: Orthodontic wax, saltwater rinses, or topical gels can reduce irritation.
4. Tooth Movement
The actual tooth movement isn't painful, but the pressure exerted can make the teeth feel tender.
5. Post-Treatment (Retainers)
Some minor soreness can occur when first wearing a retainer, especially if you haven't worn it for a while.
Most patients adapt quickly, and any discomfort is usually manageable. Dr Azizi will give you tips on how to reduce discomfort during treatment!

Call Dr. Azizi today for your complimentary consultation!

Glenside 215-576-6414 Ambler 215-646-9514

Pushing your tongue against your teeth can have various effects on the dentition, depending on the force applied, duration, and frequency of the habit. Here are the potential outcomes:

Occasional pressure of the tongue against the teeth is generally harmless. However, chronic tongue pressure, especially in the form of tongue thrusting, can lead to dental misalignment, bite problems, and speech issues over time. If this is a chronic habit, Dr. Azizi might recommend myofunctional therapy or a habit-breaking appliance.

Call Dr. Azizi for your complimentary consultation.

Ambler 215-646-9514 Glenside 215-576-5829