| Quick Answer: Spring brings unique challenges for kids in orthodontic treatment: contact sports and risk of broken brackets, allergy congestion that complicates aligner wear, end-of-school sugary events, and time outside that distracts from care routines. Five steps keep treatment on track: get a sports mouthguard, manage allergy dry-mouth, stay diligent on brushing/flossing around braces, schedule the spring orthodontic visit, and use HSA/FSA dollars before they expire. |
Spring is when families naturally start fresh — and for kids in orthodontic treatment, it’s also when treatment gets a little more complicated. At Jensen Orthodontics in Las Cruces, our team sees the same spring challenges every year: broken brackets from spring sports, allergy congestion that complicates aligner wear, sugary end-of-school events, and outdoor distractions that can throw off care routines.
Here are five practical tips that keep your child’s orthodontic treatment on track through spring.
Note: while April is sometimes informally called “Oral Health Month,” the official ADA/AAPD-recognized observance is February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, and April is more associated with Oral Cancer Awareness Month (adult-focused). Either way, spring is a particularly strategic moment to reset orthodontic routines.
Tip 1: Get an Orthodontic Sports Mouthguard
Spring sports — soccer, baseball, lacrosse, football — bring a real risk of dental injury. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that mouthguards prevent over 200,000 oral injuries each year.
For kids in braces, a generic boil-and-bite mouthguard from the drugstore won’t fit properly over brackets. The options:
| Type | Cost | Fit Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Boil-and-bite (standard) | $10–$30 | Doesn’t fit over braces well |
| Orthodontic boil-and-bite | $20–$40 | Decent, designed for brackets |
| Custom orthodontic mouthguard (orthodontist) | $75–$150 | Best fit, longest-lasting |
For competitive sports — especially baseball, soccer, basketball, and martial arts — a custom orthodontic mouthguard is worth the investment. They stay in place better, breathe easier, and protect both teeth and brackets.
Tip 2: Manage Allergy Season
Las Cruces spring allergies are no joke. Junipers, cottonwoods, mulberries, and grasses cause significant congestion this time of year.
For kids in braces:
- Mouth-breathing dries the mouth and raises cavity risk — especially around brackets where plaque already collects more easily
- Antihistamines compound the dry mouth — push fluids
- Sinus pressure can mimic upper-tooth pain — see your orthodontist if pain persists more than a few days after sinus pressure resolves
For kids in clear aligners (Invisalign® Teen, etc.):
- Allergies often increase mouth-breathing, which can cause aligners to dry out faster
- Drink more water during allergy season to keep saliva flowing
- Don’t skip aligner wear during congested periods — keeping aligners in actually helps maintain treatment progress
A humidifier in your child’s bedroom helps offset the dryness, especially during allergy season.
Tip 3: Stay Diligent on Brushing and Flossing
Spring brings outdoor activities, late bedtimes, and disrupted routines — all of which can sabotage brushing and flossing. For braces patients, this matters more than it does for kids without orthodontics.
The basics:
- Brush after every meal — at school, in the car, before bed
- Use a proxa-brush or interdental brush to clean around brackets
- Floss daily with floss threaders, or switch to a water flosser
- Rinse with fluoride mouthwash before bed
The reason: plaque sticks to brackets and wires far more than it does to plain teeth. Kids who don’t keep up with cleaning often end up with white spots (decalcification) or cavities visible when the braces come off — permanent and avoidable.
Tip 4: Manage the Spring Sugar Surge
Easter, Mother’s Day, end-of-school parties, sports team treats — spring brings a steady flow of sugary events. For kids in braces, certain foods are off-limits entirely:
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Hard candy (suckers, jawbreakers) | Breaks brackets |
| Sticky candy (caramel, taffy, gummies) | Pulls off brackets, sticks under wires |
| Ice and chewing on hard objects | Cracks brackets |
| Whole apples, raw carrots | Can break brackets — cut them up first |
| Popcorn (kernels) | Stuck kernels cause bracket failures |
| Hard pretzels, hard granola | Same as above |
Better choices: chocolate (it melts), soft cookies, ice cream, soft fruit, yogurt, smoothies. Sugar still matters for cavity risk, but at least it’s not also breaking brackets.
Tip 5: Schedule the Spring Orthodontic Visit
Spring is the strategic time to ensure treatment is on track:
- Routine adjustments are easier to schedule during predictable spring weeks
- Catching any issues before summer means simpler fixes
- HSA/FSA dollars from the new year are still fresh — use them strategically
- Insurance benefits reset annually for many plans
If your child hasn’t been seen in 6–8 weeks (the standard adjustment interval), this is the moment to schedule.
Bonus: Use HSA/FSA Dollars Before They Expire
If you have remaining HSA/FSA dollars from earlier in the year, orthodontic treatment is HSA- and FSA-eligible. This applies to treatment payments, replacement retainers, custom mouthguards, and some related dental care. If you’re paying for orthodontic treatment in installments, talk to us about lump-sum payments using HSA/FSA dollars before benefits expire.
Visit Las Cruces Braces
Whether your child is starting orthodontic treatment, mid-treatment, or about to finish — we’re set up to make every visit feel positive. Schedule a free consultation (for new patients) or your spring adjustment online or by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids in braces need a special mouthguard?
Yes — for any contact sport. Standard drugstore mouthguards don’t fit well over brackets. Either an orthodontic boil-and-bite mouthguard ($20–$40) or a custom orthodontic mouthguard from your orthodontist ($75–$150) is needed. Custom is worth the investment for competitive sports.
How do allergies affect kids in braces?
Mouth-breathing from congestion dries saliva and raises cavity risk — especially around brackets where plaque already collects more easily. Antihistamines compound the dry mouth. Push fluids and run a humidifier at night during allergy season.
What foods should kids in braces avoid in spring?
Hard candy, sticky candy (caramel, taffy, gummies), ice, popcorn, hard pretzels, and chewing on hard objects. Whole apples and raw carrots should be cut up first. Better choices include chocolate, soft cookies, soft fruit, yogurt, and smoothies.
How often should kids in braces brush?
After every meal — including at school. Plaque sticks to brackets and wires more than to plain teeth. Skipping brushing creates white spots or cavities that show up when braces come off. Add daily flossing with threaders or a water flosser, plus fluoride mouthwash before bed.
Can HSA or FSA money be used for braces?
Yes — orthodontic treatment is HSA- and FSA-eligible. This includes treatment payments, replacement retainers, and custom mouthguards. Using pre-tax dollars saves 20–35% on the after-tax cost.
When should I schedule my child’s spring orthodontic visit?
Most kids in braces have routine adjustments every 6–8 weeks. If your child hasn’t been seen in that window, schedule now. Spring is also a good time for a free consultation if your child hasn’t started treatment yet.
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Time for your child’s spring orthodontic visit? We truly care about your child’s health and happiness. Reach out to get your child’s appointment scheduled. We can’t wait to see you. Las Cruces Braces │ Jensen Orthodontics, Las Cruces, NM │ Schedule Today → |