Summer vacation is nearly upon us once more—a time for staying home, working summer jobs, or jetting off on adventures. Regardless of your plans, braces can add a unique twist to this season for everyone involved. Today, Beam Orthodontics will give you an official Summer Travel Guide: Braces Edition!
An Easier Journey
This season highlights the importance of managing your braces while you’re out and about. Whether or not you already have a dental kit on hand, here are some essential items Dr. Paxon recommends to have with you when you’re traveling:
- An orthodontic toothbrush boasts soft bristles and a compact, angled head, ensuring thorough cleaning around braces and brackets.
- Orthodontic wax serves as a reliable aid for emergencies or discomfort, providing relief by covering sharp or protruding pieces that might irritate the lips or cheeks.
- Interdental brushes prove handy for navigating tight spaces between brackets.
- Floss threaders offer convenience over traditional dental floss, effortlessly accessing areas beneath wires and in the back of the mouth.
- Keeping elastic bands on hand is wise; they can temporarily secure loose brackets until you’re able to visit our office.
- A compact mirror or dental mirror aids in effectively observing all areas of the mouth during cleaning sessions.
- Travel-sized toothpaste is perfect for on-the-go outings, while orthodontic mouthwash ensures freshness even during vacations.
Properly packing these items according to your environment is crucial. For example, if you’re off to the beach, consider the heat and keep them stored at the bottom of your larger bag.
Other Vacation Tips
These tips will be great whether you’re staying in our region or going abroad to a more classic summer destination!
- Stay Hydrated: Ensuring adequate hydration is crucial, especially during the summer months with braces. This helps prevent dry mouth, which can accelerate decay, a common concern with braces.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Remain diligent with your oral care routine, brushing and flossing after every meal, particularly after consuming sugary snacks or drinks.
- Use a Water Flosser: Consider investing in a water flosser for thorough cleaning, reaching inaccessible areas of the mouth more effectively.
- Protect Your Braces: Be cautious during sporting activities, especially high-contact sports like football or basketball. Mouthguards are essential for protecting your braces, even for less contact-intensive activities like volleyball or kickball.
- Choose Braces-Friendly Foods: Indulge in summer treats that are gentle on your braces, such as soft fruits, yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, and grilled fish and vegetables. Avoid sticky and chewy foods that can damage your braces. We know this can be hard at theme parks or in foreign countries—but your braces will be better off for resisting the temptation!
- Protect Your Braces at the Beach or Pool: When swimming, be mindful of potential damage to your braces from sand, chlorine, or salt water. Consider wearing a mouthguard while swimming for added protection.
- Protect Your Lips: Apply lip balm with SPF to shield your lips from sunburn, particularly if you spend extended periods outdoors.
- Protect Your Braces from Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight can cause discomfort, especially with metal braces. Wear a hat or seek shade to minimize discomfort from prolonged exposure.
- Keep an Eye on Kids: If these tips apply to your child, remind them to follow these guidelines and periodically check in to make sure they’re successful. Beam Orthodontics is proud to serve children, so don’t hesitate to ask about best practices.
- Attend Orthodontic Appointments: If you aren’t out of town for all of summer break, don’t skip your regular appointments with Dr. Paxon! We know it can be a busy season for everyone, but staying on track is important for great results. If you will be gone for a while, schedule check-ups before you leave.
- Remember the Goal: Discomfort and inconvenience from braces are temporary. Focus on the long-term benefits of achieving a straight, healthy smile when times get tough.
- Enjoy Yourself: Most importantly, have fun! Don’t let braces hinder your enjoyment of summer activities. We’re here to address any concerns and ensure you make the most of your summer with braces.
Be a Planner!
For additional questions, we hope you’ll reach out to Dr. Paxon and our team. The more information you give us about your plans for summer, the better advice we can offer! For example, if you’re traveling overseas or across the border, you might have specific concerns differing from domestic travel. We value knowing our patients on a one-on-one level so we can give them exceptional treatment. To schedule your first or next appointment, you can reach either of our offices at Beam Orthodontics here!
