When September rolls around, many young people find themselves preparing to return to the classroom after a long summer break. In addition to purchasing your school clothes and books, you may want to think about putting together an emergency travel kit that caters specifically to your braces.

Here are three must-have items to include on your back-to-school shopping list if you have braces.

1. A travel-size tube of toothpaste and a spare toothbrush.

If you want to prevent spots from forming on your teeth, it's imperative that you keep the exposed surface of your teeth as clean as possible while your braces are in place. This requires brushing your teeth thoroughly after each meal.

Since you will most likely be eating lunch at school, packing a travel-size tube of toothpaste and a spare toothbrush in your back-to-school emergency kit will allow you to practice proper oral health while you are away from home by giving you the ability to brush your teeth after eating lunch.

2. A plastic mouth guard.

Although many students dread participation, enrollment in a gym class is often mandatory for those attending school. Gym allows you to engage in sporting activities that will help you condition your body, but it is also a class that can pose an injury risk if you have braces.

To prevent your braces from cutting into your lips and cheeks if your face comes into contact with another player or a ball during a sporting game in gym, you should ensure that you have a plastic mouth guard in your back-to-school emergency kit. The mouth guard can be used on days when you feel the activities your gym teacher has planned could pose a risk to your mouth.

3. A spare supply of orthodontic wax.

The last thing you want is your braces distracting you from your studies by causing your discomfort. If you find that your braces are irritating you by cutting into your cheek, then applying some orthodontic wax to the affected area can help you find relief.

Orthodontic wax creates a barrier between the wire piece causing the irritation and the sensitive skin of your inner cheek. The barrier prevents the wire from cutting into your cheek. Having orthodontic wax in your emergency back-to-school kit ensures that you will be able to focus on your studies rather than the pain caused by your braces.

Preparing to return to school can be exciting. Be sure that you are ready to face the upcoming school year by packing some essential items catering to your braces in your back-to-school emergency kit.