Braces, Mouthguards & More: Back-to-School Smile Checklist.

A new school year means new teachers, new friends, and new routines. But in the excitement of buying supplies and packing lunches, it’s easy to forget one important thing—your child’s smile.

At ABC Dental Chicago, we know that a healthy, confident smile plays a big role in your child’s success, both in and out of the classroom. Whether your child wears braces, plays sports, or just needs a routine checkup, this checklist will help keep their teeth healthy all school year long.

1. Schedule a Dental Checkup Before Classes Start

Before your calendar fills up with school events, make time for a back-to-school dental visit. This allows us to:

Check for cavities or early signs of dental problems
Ensure braces or orthodontic appliances are working as planned
Give your child a professional cleaning for a fresh start

Regular checkups keep small issues from becoming bigger problems during the school year.

2. Stock Up on Braces-Friendly School Snacks

If your child has braces, some foods are best left at home. Sticky candies, hard pretzels, and popcorn can damage brackets and wires. Instead, pack snacks like:

Soft fruit (banana slices, grapes, melon)
String cheese
Yogurt
Sandwiches on soft bread

A braces-friendly lunchbox helps keep orthodontic treatment on track.

3. Make Braces Care Easy at School

Your child will be more consistent with braces care if they have the right tools on hand. Consider packing:

A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
Floss picks or orthodontic flossers
Orthodontic wax for irritation
A small mirror for quick checks

These small items make a big difference, helping them keep their smile clean during the day.

4. Protect Teeth with a Sports Mouthguard

If your child plays contact sports—like soccer, football, basketball, or even cheerleading—you’ll need to get them a custom-fitted mouthguard to protect against:

Broken teeth
Lip and tongue injuries
Damage to braces or aligners

Our top Chicago dentists can fit a mouthguard that’s comfortable, durable, and designed for your child’s sport.

5. Create a Consistent Oral Care Routine

We know how quickly the school year gets busy. Our dental staff swears by the daily habits that keep smiles healthy. Encourage your child to:

Brush twice a day for two minutes
Floss at least once a day
Wear their retainer or aligners as instructed
Drink water instead of sugary drinks

Consistency now prevents costly problems later.

6. Boost Confidence with a Smile Check

The start of the school year is a great time for a confidence boost. If your child feels self-conscious about their smile, we can discuss options like:

Early orthodontic evaluation (often recommended by age 7)
Braces or clear aligner treatment for teens
Whitening for older teens with fully developed teeth

A confident smile helps your child feel more at ease in social and academic settings.

Get Your Child’s Smile School-Ready with ABC Dental Chicago

At ABC Dental, we’re here to make sure your child’s smile is healthy, protected, and ready for anything this school year brings. From braces adjustments to mouthguard fittings, we provide complete care for kids and teens in the Chicago area.

Book your back-to-school dental visit today and start the year with a smile.

Whether you’re in Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Bucktown, or beyond, we’d love to help your child build a healthy, confident smile.

Call us at 773‑481‑2200 for your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.