Before you hit the highway, look through Danzer Orthodontics’ Summer Travel Guide: Braces Edition! Kids are out of school, and you’re packing for a vacation. Woo! But hang on—Dr. Danzer wants to make sure you don’t forget to pack the essentials. Nope, not just sunscreen. You need to take a few things to help with your braces. Orthodontic appliances aren’t entitled to vacations. If your family’s leaving Owensboro or Hardinsburg for the beach, keep these braces travel tips in mind.
Packing Essentials for Your Braces
You’re going away from home for the summer. Awesome, we can’t wait to hear about it when you get back. But before you leave, put together a checklist for some braces essentials. Your braces need to do their best work. And since you’re leaving a familiar place, you need to take some extra steps to keep your treatment headed in the right direction. Here’s a brief list of what to bring with you to lead your braces toward brilliance:
Orthodontic Wax
Braces can sometimes feel irritating or uncomfortable. Especially if you’ve been wearing them for a long time. Stash a small container of orthodontic wax in your suitcase or duffel bag. It will help soothe any pain or irritation from pokey wires or brackets. Apply your wax as needed. It’ll help smooth out any rough edges and relieve your mouth during travel.
Floss Threaders
Flossing with braces can be tricky due to the wires and brackets. But floss threaders make it much easier to get between your teeth and around your braces. Be sure to pack a few floss threaders to help you keep your mouth, teeth, and braces squeaky clean. Regular flossing will help remove food particles and plaque.
Travel-Sized Toothbrush and Toothpaste
We mentioned that your braces don’t get a summer break. Know what else doesn’t? Your hygiene! You can’t put your hygiene on hiatus. Invest in a travel-sized toothbrush to toss into your bag. Toothpaste comes in travel sizes, too. You might get tired of hearing it—but brushing regularly will help remove food debris and plaque. It’ll also reduce your risk of cavities and put some polish on your braces.
Interdental Brushes
Interdental brushes are small, cone-shaped brushes. They’re designed to clean between your teeth and around your braces, brackets, and wires. So, let a few interdental brushes stow away in your cargo. They’ll help supplement your oral care routine and let you thoroughly clean those hard-to-reach areas. Use them to gently clean between brackets and wires where regular toothbrush bristles may not reach.
Eating Tips
You’ve got to stay on your braces-appropriate diet while traveling. Your treatment is still important, even on vacation. You deserve to have fun and make memories. But your braces need to be in tip-top shape, like always. Eating the wrong kinds of foods can make your vacation miserable (and we don’t want that for you). Here are some practical eating tips to keep in mind during your summer travels:
Opt for Soft and Gentle Foods
Reach for soft and easy-to-chew foods. Anything that won’t put unnecessary strain on your braces. Options such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or smoothies are gentle on your teeth and braces.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
We know nobody goes on vacation to exercise discipline. But Dr. Danzer must insist. Steer clear of hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Why? They can damage or get stuck in your braces. Also, say “no” to popcorn, nuts, hard candies, chewing gum, and sticky candies. Foods like these can cause loosen your brackets to loosen or bend your wires.
Cut Food into Bite-Sized Pieces
When enjoying fruits or vegetables, cut them into tinier, bite-sized pieces. Doing this will make them easier to eat. Plus, you’ll cut down (see what we did there?) the risk of damaging your braces. This will help you enjoy various nutritious foods without compromising your orthodontic treatment.
Caring For Your Braces On the Go
Now you know what to pack for your braces while you travel. You know what to eat (and what not to). What about taking care of your braces while you’re on summer vacation? What should you do to keep your braces working their best to give you an awe-inspiring smile? It actually doesn’t look that different from what you normally do at home. Here’s what you need to do:
Brush After Meals
You do this at home, right? It’s no different away from home. Your braces won’t know the difference (but they definitely will if you don’t brush). After enjoying a meal or snack, brush your teeth. It will help remove any leftover food or plaque that may have gotten stuck around your braces.
Are your teeth feeling sensitive? Try a brush with softer bristles. Plus, fluoride toothpaste will help to clean your teeth and braces. Pay extra attention to areas where food tends to get trapped.
Floss Regularly
You brought your floss along (you did remember your floss, didn’t you?). Flossing is equally as important as brushing, especially when you have braces. Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to clean between your brackets and wires. You have to get rid of plaque and food debris from difficult-to-reach areas.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated. Water helps rinse away food and bacteria. Even better, staying hydrated helps you maintain good oral health. It prevents dry mouth and bad breath. You deserve a fresh, comfortable mouth while traveling.
Danzer Orthodontics Is Your Summer Smile Destination
Need a new smile? Danzer Orthodontics has two locations to help you get it: Owensboro and Hardinsburg. Visit us here to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Danzer today.