How to Help Your Kids Maintain Healthy Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Rehoboth Beach might be all sunshine and surf right now, but that’s no reason to skip out on your kid’s oral hygiene! Dr. Johnson and his team at Johnson Orthodontics have spent the past 15 years helping Sussex County families balance beach days with braces care. If your kid’s summer schedule is more sandcastle than school bell, these simple tips can help keep their teeth clean and treatment on pace. Let’s take a look at how to make oral care stick (even when everything else is covered in sunscreen).

Braces vs. Boardwalk Snacks

Summer in Rehoboth Beach brings plenty of treats, like saltwater taffy, kettle corn, caramel apples, and crunchy waffle cones. But if your kid has braces, some of those boardwalk favorites can do more harm than good. Sticky, chewy, and crunchy snacks are known for bending wires, breaking brackets, and making oral hygiene a lot tougher.

Here are a few things to skip:

  • Chewy candies like taffy or licorice
  • Popcorn and caramel corn
  • Hard pretzels and chips
  • Ice cubes or anything meant to be crunched

Instead, try brace-friendly picks that still feel like a treat:

  • Soft-serve ice cream (hold the mix-ins)
  • Smoothies with fresh fruit
  • Mac and cheese cups
  • Soft baked goods like banana bread or muffins

Little swaps like these go a long way in keeping your child’s braces intact and their treatment moving forward. Up next: how to keep brushing and flossing on track when summer routines start to blur.

Summer Routines Without the Slip-Ups

Long beach days, late bedtimes, and spontaneous sleepovers can turn even the best brushing routine upside down. But staying consistent with oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Dr. Johnson helps families throughout Sussex County build habits that stick, even when schedules don’t!

Here are a few simple ways to keep brushing and flossing on track:

  • Anchor brushing to daily activities: If school isn’t in session, tie brushing to regular moments like meals, showers, or even sunscreen time.
  • Make a summer hygiene kit: Fill a travel pouch with flossers, orthodontic wax, a mini toothbrush, and a timer. Keep it handy for beach bags or overnight trips.
  • Use visual reminders: Whether it’s a checklist on the fridge or a calendar near the bathroom sink, seeing progress keeps kids motivated.

Dr. Johnson often reminds families at Johnson Orthodontics that you’re not chasing perfection, you’re building habits that keep treatment smooth and effective. 

Coming up next: how Invisalign and clear aligner wearers can stay on track, too.

Clear Aligners and Summer Freedom

Invisalign offers flexibility that’s perfect for teens and tweens during the summer, but that freedom can backfire if aligners go missing at Grotto Pizza or get left behind at a sleepover. At Johnson Orthodontics, our team works closely with aligner patients to help them stay consistent without slowing down their summer.

Here’s how to make sure Invisalign stays in (and doesn’t get lost in the shuffle):

Always use the case

Whether heading to Funland or grabbing boardwalk fries, aligners should go in their case. Not in a napkin and not on a plate!

Keep them clean

A quick rinse before meals and a gentle brushing twice a day (with cool water!) keeps trays clear and fresh.

Set reminders

Phone alarms or Invisalign apps are a game-changer for keeping wear time on track, especially when routines shift.

Dr. Johnson reminds patients that Invisalign only works when it’s worn as directed, so a little consistency now means a smoother, faster finish later. Next up, let’s explore how good habits today can mean fewer delays and better long-term results.

How to Help Your Kids Maintain Healthy Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Why a Few Smart Habits Now Can Save Months Later

Dr. Johnson has seen firsthand how the most consistent kids often finish treatment with less stress and better results. And in a beach town like Rehoboth, that’s something parents and teens can both appreciate. After all, who wants extra appointments cutting into boardwalk time?

Keep Things Moving (The Easy Way)

Just a few smart choices each day can help treatment stay on schedule. 

We said it before, but:

  • Stay snack-smart: Sticky treats and crunchy chips can lead to popped brackets and emergency visits. Go for soft, cool favorites instead.
  • Brush like it counts: That leftover ice cream? Cute on Instagram, less cute when it turns into plaque buildup.
  • Use the tools that help: Travel toothbrushes, aligner cases, and timers all go a long way when routines get loose.

Tech That Keeps You Ahead

Johnson Orthodontics uses digital scanning and progress tracking tools that catch tiny shifts before they turn into setbacks. Paired with Dr. Johnson’s hands-on oversight, it’s a system that keeps treatment humming even when summer gets chaotic.

Up next: how the office setup (and the team behind it) makes keeping up with care surprisingly simple.

Comfort Meets Convenience in Rehoboth Beach

Summer might be unpredictable, but your orthodontic visits don’t have to be! That’s why Johnson Orthodontics makes the experience as easygoing as a walk on the boardwalk.

Step inside and you’ll notice it’s not just another dental office. From the front desk to the treatment chair, Dr. Johnson and his team keep things clear, calm, and genuinely helpful. Whether it’s your kid’s first visit or their tenth, they’ll be greeted by name and treated like someone who matters (because they do!)

Here’s what makes the space work for busy Sussex County families:

  • One location, zero confusion

No hopping between offices or juggling which doctor you’ll see.

  • Scheduling that works with summer

With flexible appointment options, you’re not stuck choosing between care and other errands.

  • A team that explains, not overwhelms

Every visit comes with real updates and plenty of time for questions.

It’s orthodontic care that fits your family’s rhythm and keeps those summer smiles heading in the right direction!

How to Help Your Kids Maintain Healthy Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

The Shore Thing for Summer Smile Care

From sandy snacks to summer sleepovers, Johnson Orthodontics makes it easy to keep your child’s smile on track all season long. With tips that work in real life and a team that gets it, you don’t have to choose between beach days and braces care. Dr. Johnson and his Rehoboth Beach crew are proud to serve Milford, Bethany Beach, & the surrounding areas. Schedule your free consultation today and let’s make smile care the breeziest part of your summer!