Whatโs tougher: getting your kid to floss around braces or convincing them to eat steamed broccoli instead of pizza? For many families in Mobile and Jackson, orthodontic treatment comes with a learning curve that goes beyond just showing up for appointments. Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics help parents turn daily routines into simple habits that protect progress and keep teeth healthy. First up, letโs talk about brushing and flossing in a world full of brackets and wires.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Braces make cleaning a little trickier, but not impossible. The trick is helping your child brush around brackets and floss under wires without giving up halfway through. A few extra minutes a day can make a huge difference in keeping teeth strong and free of plaque during treatment.
Hereโs how to make it work:
- Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush with a small head to reach tight spots.
- Angle the brush above and below each bracket, not just across the surface.
- Help them floss once a day using floss threaders, orthodontic floss picks, or a water flosser if they need a little backup.
Toss a travel toothbrush and flossers into their bag, and suddenly school lunches and sideline snacks donโt stand a chance!
Of course, even the cleanest mouth can run into trouble if the snack choices aren’t helping. Letโs look at what to stock in the pantry (and what to skip).
Smart Snacking Starts at Home
Snack time doesnโt have to turn into bracket-break time. With a little planning, you can help your child pick foods that work with their braces, not against them. The Pickett Orthodontics team recommends some easy swaps for families that protect both teeth and appliances.
What to Skip
Sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods can do real damage. Theyโre tough on brackets and hard to clean out, increasing the chance of cavities and broken wires. Keep an eye out for:
- Popcorn and pretzels
- Caramel, taffy, and gum
- Ice and hard candies
- Crunchy granola and nuts
What to Keep on Hand
Pickett Orthodontics recommends soft snacks that are easy on braces and support oral health:
- Sliced bananas, seedless grapes, and steamed apples
- Applesauce and yogurt
- Cheese sticks, scrambled eggs, and soft pasta
And for a treat that gets a thumbs up? Try a smoothie from Soul Bowlz in Mobile or frozen yogurt from Swee-D’s Frozen Yogurt in Jackson, totally safe for your braces and still fun!
Next, letโs look at why keeping up with appointments is just as important as brushing and snacking smart.
Appointments Matter More Than You Think
Even with perfect brushing and braces-friendly snacks, skipping appointments can set treatment back. Dr. Kevin L. Pickett uses check-ins at Pickett Orthodontics to monitor progress, make small adjustments, and catch issues before they turn into bigger problems. These visits are quick, but they play a big role in keeping your childโs smile on track.
Hereโs how to stay on schedule:
- Orthodontic visits: Every 6 to 10 weeks, depending on your childโs treatment plan
- Dental cleanings: At least twice a year with your family dentist (more often if recommended)
- Emergency visits: If a bracket breaks or a wire is poking, contact us right away!
Appointments are easy to forget with busy calendars, but theyโre worth the effort. The team at Pickett Orthodontics works with families in Mobile and Jackson to find times that fit, so braces donโt have to get in the way of school, sports, or anything else.
Next up: the small daily habits that help kids stay ahead between visits.
Little Habits That Add Up
Sometimes itโs the small stuff that makes the biggest impact. Between appointments and brushing routines, there are a few quick habits that can help kids keep their braces (and their teeth) in great shape. Dr. Kevin L. Pickett encourages families at Pickett Orthodontics to build these into their day so they become second nature.
Hydrate Often
Water helps wash away food and bacteria, especially when brushing isnโt an option. A reusable water bottle in the backpack can make a difference.
Skip the Chewing Habits
Chewing on pens, fingernails, or ice can loosen brackets and cause wear on teeth. Remind your child to keep objects out of their mouth, even when theyโre bored in class.
Keep Wax Handy
Orthodontic wax can ease irritation from new brackets or wires. Throw a small container in their school bag, along with lip balm and a mirror, to help them stay comfortable through the day.
Even one or two of these habits can make treatment smoother. But when things donโt go perfectly, thereโs still a simple way forward. Letโs look at how to handle the slip-ups.
What to Do When Things Donโt Go as Planned
No kid is perfect, and neither is every orthodontic routine. Missed a brushing? Remind them to rinse with water and brush as soon as theyโre able. Chewed something too crunchy? Check for loose brackets or poking wires and give Pickett Orthodontics a quick call if anything feels off. Life in Mobile and Jackson gets busy, and even the most responsible kids will forget an appointment or skip a flossing session now and then.
The good news? One mistake doesnโt ruin everything. Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and his team are here to help families get back on track with support thatโs practical, friendly, and judgment-free. Orthodontic treatment is a team effort, and progress is measured over time, not by a single snack or skipped step. With the right habits, tools, and support, your childโs smile can stay strong and healthy from start to finish!
Teeth, Tweens, and Tiny Wins
Braces donโt have to turn into a full-time job. With a little help (and maybe a few snack swaps), your kidโs smile can thrive through every wire, bracket, and school lunch! Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics make it easier for families in Mobile and Jackson to keep oral health on track without the stress. Book your free consultation today or call us at 251-758-1195 and letโs turn good habits into great results!