Everything You'll Need When Your Kid Gets Braces

Brace yourself and grab these items before your child gets their braces put on

February 27, 2023

By: Amanda Mushro

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Photo By: MoMo Productions

Brace Yourself

When your kid’s crooked smile is replaced with shiny new braces, they’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and sadness (goodbye, bubble gum. See you in 18 months). While braces seem like a rite of passage for kids and many of their friends will be sporting braces soon enough, there are plenty of ways you can help your kids on their braces journey, from showing them the right way to brush their teeth to having a pain reliever on hand for the days their jaw and teeth are feeling sore.

Also, kids may be bummed when they see the foods they shouldn't eat, but you can offer up the goodies and treats they can still have (no sticky candy but chocolate is still allowed!). Finally, there are a few items you’ll want to buy that will make having braces so much easier for your kids. Here are the 10 must-haves for every kiddo with braces.

Water Flosser

Even if your kid starts out as a really good brusher, when they get braces, it all seems to get messy. To protect those teeth so they are shiny and cavity-free once the braces come off, get them this water flosser. It’s a game changer and will make cleaning their teeth and braces so much easier.

BUY IT: Amazon, $39.99

Braces Wax

The wires and brackets rubbing on the insides of their gums can be painful. To help ease the discomfort, load up your kids with braces wax. While the orthodontist will probably give your kids small containers, having extra on hand and stashed everywhere really comes in handy. This set contains six small containers that kids can toss in their book bags, keep in their locker, and you can carry a spare case for them too.

BUY IT: Amazon, $5.99

Braces Flossers

Flossing becomes a hassle when kids have braces, but with these flossers that are designed especially for braces, this daily chore will be much easier. The flosser fits in between the wires and under the bracket so your kids can get their teeth clean after every meal and snack.

BUY IT: Amazon, $24.99

Water Bottle

Having braces can make their mouth feel dry all the time. Encourage kids to drink more water with a fun new water bottle. This bottle from Brumate is stainless steel so it keeps water cold and the colors, like dark aura, are super fun.

BUY IT: Amazon, $26.50

Braces Survival Kit Bag

You know what your kid’s teeth look like after they eat breakfast. So send them to school with a braces survival kit filled with items they need to get their teeth, braces, and breath fresh. Use this bag to stash all of the items in their backpack.

BUY IT: Amazon, $7.99

Mini Mouthwash

To get leftover food out of their braces, toss a mini mouthwash in to their survival kit. After they eat at school, they can quickly clean up their braces (and breath) with this rinse.

BUY IT: Amazon, $20.94

Interdental Cleaners

These disposable brushes are perfect to have on hand and at home. The brushes bend and flex so it’s easier to access those hard-to-reach areas. Plus the tiny bristles are great for getting out food particles that are trapped between their teeth and braces.

BUY IT: Amazon, $8.29

Lip Balm

Braces can make lips feel dry, cracked, and chapped. To help soothe their lips and not irritate them even more, use Aquphor lip balm . It doesn’t have any harsh chemicals or scents and is super hydrating.

BUY IT: Amazon, $3.97

Purple Chews

If your child is really struggling to brush, give these purple chews a try. After brushing, kids chew on the tablets and a purple film is left on their teeth to show where they did not brush adequately. Hopefully if they have tons of purple, they will get serious about brushing.

BUY IT: Amazon, $16.99

Slushie Cup

A quick and yummy way to ease the pain of having braces is a cold treat like a slushie or smoothie. With this cup, you can whip up a frosty treat that tastes amazing and will soothe their mouth pain.

BUY IT: Amazon, $22.99

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Everything You’ll Need to Make the Teeth Brushing Battle Easier, How to Make Dental Visits Easier for Your Kids, Parenting Win of the Week: The Tooth Fairy

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