Back to school season is one of the busiest times of year for families across Winston-Salem, Clemmons, and King — and for kids in braces, it’s also a time of important transitions. New routines, school lunches, after-school snacks, and the social dynamics of wearing braces among classmates all come into play at once.
At BCR Orthodontics, we’ve helped thousands of Forsyth County families navigate back-to-school season with braces. This guide covers everything: what to pack, how to talk to your child about their braces, navigating school lunches, and the incredible community events happening in our area as summer winds down and fall begins.
What to Pack in a Back-to-School Braces Kit
Every braces-wearing student should have a small kit in their backpack: travel toothbrush and toothpaste, orthodontic wax, dental picks or floss threaders, a small mirror, and a spare rubber band bag if they use elastics. A travel-size mouthwash is a bonus for post-lunch freshness.
Navigating the School Cafeteria With Braces
Great school lunch choices: sandwiches on soft bread, pasta salads, soup, soft grains like rice, yogurt, string cheese, applesauce, and soft fruits. Foods to avoid: hard pretzels, chips, hard granola bars, whole apples (slice them!), corn on the cob, and chewy snacks like Fruit Roll-Ups or SweeTarts Ropes.
Talking to Your Child About Wearing Braces at School
Many kids worry about social dynamics when they get braces. Remind them that braces are incredibly common — especially at BCR, where we treat entire families together. Many of their classmates are already in treatment or will be soon. Confidence is contagious, and a smile (even a braces-wearing one) is always in style.
🎒 BCR’s Back-to-School Local Restaurant Picks
Celebrate the new school year (or survive the first week!) at these beloved local spots:
⭐ Clemmons Kitchen
📍 2520 Lewisville Clemmons Rd, Clemmons
Try: Daily specials, home-cooked plates, Greek-inspired dishes, comfort food classics
Why it works: Open for over 40 years, Clemmons Kitchen is a genuine institution. The Greek-inspired dishes are tender and flavorful, the daily specials are always comforting, and the service feels like family. For back-to-school night, this is the kind of meal that says “we’re in this together.” Soft proteins, cooked vegetables, and warm soups are all excellent brace-safe choices here.
⭐ Little Richard’s Bar-B-Que
📍 Lewisville Clemmons area
Try: Pulled pork, smoked chicken, Brunswick stew, soft BBQ sides
Why it works: After a long first week of school, Little Richard’s is the perfect family reset. 27+ years of slow-smoked perfection, with pulled pork so tender you barely need to chew. Their Brunswick stew is rich and warming — completely safe for braces. Community-minded through and through.
⭐ King Kitchen Family Restaurant
📍 King, NC
Try: Home-cooked daily specials, comfort food sides, soft desserts
Why it works: For King families, this welcoming family restaurant is the definition of home cooking. Daily specials change regularly and always include soft, braces-friendly options: braised proteins, slow-cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, and soft bread. A back-to-school dinner here feels like a warm hug.
⭐ Taaza Indian Bistro
📍 Clemmons, NC
Try: Butter chicken, dal, soft naan, basmati rice dishes
Why it works: Don’t overlook Clemmons’ Indian cuisine gem! Butter chicken and dal are beautifully soft and flavorful — naturally braces-friendly when avoiding hard poppadoms. Soft naan is safe in moderation. A perfect change of pace for back-to-school dinner rotation.
🔥 BCR in the Community: Late Summer Events in King & Winston-Salem
August and early September mark some of the biggest community celebrations of the year — including a King event we absolutely love and the final weeks of summer sports season.
🎉 Fire in the Foothills BBQ Competition & Festival
🗓 Labor Day Weekend (Annual) 📍 King, NC (American Legion grounds)
This KCBS-sanctioned BBQ competition in King brings professional and backyard BBQ teams together for a day of competition, community, and incredible food. The festival features food trucks, live music, vendor booths, and a Kids Zone with activities for children. ALL proceeds benefit Dogwood Disaster Relief — a Stokes County nonprofit that supports families in crisis. This event embodies everything we love about King: community, generosity, and great food. BCR cheers for events like this because they make our communities stronger.
🎯 Kaleideum — STEM Learning for Back-to-School Minds
📍 120 W. 3rd Street, Winston-Salem
What to do: As the school year starts, Kaleideum is an incredible way to get kids’ curious minds engaged. Their rotating exhibit (currently the NASA-developed Moon to Mars exhibit) is perfectly timed for the new school year. By Design makers space lets kids build, code, and create. The Digital Dome planetarium is a school-year favorite. Consider a family membership if you’ll be coming more than twice.
BCR Ortho tip: Kaleideum is a completely braces-safe educational adventure! No dietary concerns — just pure hands-on STEM learning in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem.
🎯 Last Bowman Gray Saturday Night Races of the Season
📍 1250 S. MLK Jr. Dr., Winston-Salem
What to do: Bowman Gray’s season runs through late August. Don’t miss the final Saturday night races before fall! The Night of Destruction (July each year) is a particular highlight — demolition derby, monster trucks, and exciting racing action. Kids 6–11 are just $2 and under 5 are free. After the races, the pit area opens for driver autographs.
BCR Ortho tip: A wonderful braces-safe family night out. Just avoid hard pretzels or corn dogs from the concessions — opt for a soft hot dog or nachos with soft cheese instead.
Back-to-School Orthodontic Checkup
Before the school year starts, schedule a back-to-school orthodontic appointment. We’ll check wire adjustments, replace rubber bands, and make sure everything is tracking correctly. Start the year right — from your smile to your GPA!
Back to school means back to BCR! Schedule your fall appointment at smileland.com. Winston-Salem, Clemmons, and King offices ready to serve your family.
