At Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, Dr. Kotin, and the whole team are dedicated to helping you smile bigger this summer! When you’re hitting the beach or wherever you find yourself this season, make sure to take care of the first thing people notice about you — your smile! We’re making it easier to do that with our summer travel guide: braces edition.
Preparing for Travel with Braces
Traveling with braces requires a bit more preparation than usual to ensure your orthodontic treatment stays on track even while you’re away from home. By planning ahead, you can alleviate potential issues and make your journey more comfortable. Here are some quick tips to help you prepare effectively for your summer adventures with braces.
Packing Essentials for Orthodontic Care
Creating a travel kit specifically for your braces can be a real lifesaver. This kit should include a travel toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, orthodontic floss, a small mirror, and wax. These can help you deal with any discomfort from your braces and maintain your oral hygiene on the go.
Scheduling a Check-Up Before You Go
To ensure that you have a worry-free trip, consider scheduling a check-up before you go. Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, or Dr. Kotin can make any necessary adjustments and check that your braces are in good shape. This pre-trip visit can help prevent any potential emergencies that might otherwise disrupt your vacation.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
It’s also a good idea to be prepared for orthodontic emergencies. Know how to handle common issues such as a loose bracket or a poking wire. The team at Central Mass Orthodontics can offer you some tips on how to temporarily solve these problems and let you know when it’s time to seek professional help. We can also recommend orthodontic specialists in your destination area just in case you need immediate care.
Eating Right During Summer with Braces
The right foods can make living with braces a breeze, especially when you’re on vacation. Summer offers many tempting treats that aren’t always the best for your orthodontic care. Knowing which foods to enjoy and which to avoid can help protect your braces and prevent damage.
Foods to Enjoy
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the seasonal abundance of ripe fruits like berries, bananas, and melons, which are easy on your braces and refreshing during the warm weather. Soft grilled vegetables, pasta salads, and smoothies are also excellent choices that won’t risk damaging your orthodontic appliances.
These foods don’t just adhere to your dietary restrictions but also contribute to your overall health, providing essential vitamins and nutrients.
Foods to Avoid
While the summer may tempt you with ice cream and barbecues, it’s important to avoid certain foods that can harm your braces. Hard foods such as corn on the cob, nuts, and hard candies can break brackets or bend wires. Sticky foods like caramel or taffy can get caught in your braces, leading to plaque buildup.
Keep that Smile Shining!
While on vacation, maintaining good oral hygiene can be challenging, but it’s more important than ever with braces. The combination of travel disrupting your routine and tempting summer treats can put your dental health at risk. Developing a solid routine for oral care while on the go will help keep your teeth and braces clean and healthy throughout the summer.
Brushing and Flossing On-the-Go
Consistency in your oral hygiene routine is key, even when traveling. Pack a travel dental kit equipped with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash specifically designed for braces. Make it a habit to brush your teeth after every meal and snack to prevent food particles from sticking in your braces and leading to potential issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Orthodontic flossers and water flossers are also great additions to your kit, helping you clean those hard-to-reach areas around wires and brackets more effectively.
Rinsing Often
When brushing immediately isn’t an option, rinsing your mouth with water is a quick and effective alternative. Swishing water helps dislodge food particles and sugars from your teeth and braces, minimizing the risk of plaque buildup. Carry a small bottle of water with you to rinse your mouth after eating if you can’t brush right away. For extra care, you can use an alcohol-free mouthwash that provides additional protection against bacteria and helps maintain fresh breath.
By picking up some of these simple yet effective practices, you can maintain great oral hygiene even while indulging in the fun and relaxation of summer travels. Keeping your mouth clean not only protects your orthodontic investment but also contributes to your overall health and well-being.
Need More Tips? Give Us a Call!
Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates is your resource for all things smile-centric. If you’re about to hit the beach and you need some tips to keep your smile bright, or if you’re ready to get started with orthodontic treatment, just give us a call at (508) 753-2489 to schedule a consultation! We can’t wait to get started!