The much-needed vacation is nearing and you can’t wait to take a break from your regular routine. Unfortunately, you can’t take a break from braces care as they require constant care. Don’t use holidays as an excuse to ignore them. Here are a few tips that you must keep in mind while traveling with braces.
Schedule a check-up before leaving
Visit your orthodontist before heading out. They will make necessary changes in equipment, if required, and ensure that your treatment proceeds as planned. If you wear traditional braces, the dentist will check your brackets and wires to make sure they are firmly in place. Once you get a go-ahead, you can have fun without worrying.
Carry a dental travel kit
Pack a few necessary orthodontic tools as a basic dental travel kit. It will help you be prepared for dental emergencies without panicking in the middle of the holiday. Here are a few things that orthodontists recommend:
- Travel toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Orthodontic wax to help with any discomfort from protruding wires
- Over-the-counter painkillers
- Mini water bottle for rinsing the mouth
- Small mirror to examine any possible dental issue
- Proxy brushes and Interdental picks
Put them in an oral hygiene kit or consider buying pre-made braces kits that are commonly available.
Watch what you eat
There are some snacks and food that you must limit to avoid facing problems with braces while on vacation. Avoid sticky and chewy food, hard candies, corn on the cob, sugary or fizzy drinks, whole fruits like apples and pear (cut them into slices instead), cookies and all varieties of nuts.
Keep up with oral routine
It is true that the vacation is a time where you can let down your hair and just relax. But don’t go lax with your oral regimen. Brush and floss regularly, even when it seems really tempting to skip it and go ahead with the fun vacation activities. Skimping on the oral routine for a few days may negatively impact the health of your teeth in the long run.
Use mouthguard while engaging in physical activities
It isn’t uncommon for a vacation to be packed with a number of physical activities like hiking, swimming or sports. While some of these activities are harmless to your teeth, others can harm them significantly. It is better to be cautious and put on a mouth guard to help protect your Invisalign braces and your mouth when you engage in physical activities that may put your teeth at risk.
Research about local orthodontists in advance
Be better prepared for orthodontic emergencies by researching about local orthodontists in the place you are vacationing. Check orthodontists close to your holiday accommodation so that you can rush to them in case of emergencies.
From all of us at Putnam Orthodontics, we wish you a wonderful vacation! When you’re back, don’t forget to make an appointment with our expert orthodontists in Carmel and Briarcliff so we can help you get that perfect smile you deserve!
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