Traveling with Braces: Tips for Taking Care of Braces While on Vacation
Planning a family vacation can be an exciting adventure. Still, if your child has braces, there are a few extra steps to ensure their orthodontic care doesn’t get affected during your holiday vacation. At Gulf Coast Orthodontics, Dr. Laboda and Dr. Rose are here to help you keep your child’s smile in check, even while traveling. Here are some practical and easy-to-follow tips to ensure your vacation is smooth sailing for both you and your child’s braces.
Pack a Braces Care Kit
The first step in preparing for a trip while going through orthodontic treatment is to pack a comprehensive braces care kit. Here are a list of items you should include:
- A toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Dental floss and floss threaders
- Orthodontic wax
- A small mirror
- A travel-sized bottle of mouthwash
- Over-the-counter pain relief medication (just in case)
- A compact container for removable appliances, such as elastics or retainers
Having these items on hand will make it easier to stick to your child’s usual dental hygiene routine and address any minor issues that might arise.
Maintain Your Cleaning Routine
Vacation time often means a change in routine, but maintaining oral hygiene is extremely important. You should encourage your child to brush and floss after every meal, just as they would at home. If you’re on the go and a thorough brushing isn’t possible, have them rinse their mouth with water to remove food particles and sugars that could cause plaque buildup.
Be Mindful of Food Choices
Traveling often means indulging in new and exciting foods. While it’s important to enjoy the culinary adventure, remind your child to avoid foods that could damage their braces. Sticky candies, hard nuts, popcorn, and chewing gum should be off-limits. Choose foods that are softer, braces-friendly snacks like yogurt, soft fruits, cheese, and smoothies.
Handle Emergencies Calmly
Despite your best efforts, sometimes things go wrong so if a wire breaks or a bracket becomes loose, it’s important to know how to handle it until you can get professional help. Here’s what to do based on the situation your child is in:
- Loose Bracket: Use orthodontic wax to temporarily reattach it to the tooth or keep it from moving.
- Protruding Wire: Push it back into place with a clean spoon or use wax to cover the end.
- General Discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage any discomfort until you can see Dr. Laboda or Dr. Rose.
Stay Hydrated and Avoid Sugary Drinks
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, especially when traveling. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water, which helps keep their mouth clean and can reduce the risk of dry mouth. Try to limit sugary drinks like soda and juice, which can increase the risk of cavities, especially in hard-to-clean areas around braces.
Schedule a Check-Up Before You Leave
Visit Gulf Coast Orthodontics before you and your family head out for your vacation so we can help ensure everything is in good shape before you go. Dr. Michele Laboda and Dr. Rose can make any necessary adjustments and provide additional tips tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Enjoy Your Vacation!
Remember, the goal of a vacation is to relax and enjoy new experiences. With a little preparation and these tips in mind, you can ensure that your child’s braces won’t interfere with the fun. Safe travels from all of us at Gulf Coast Orthodontics!
For more personalized advice or to schedule a pre-vacation check-up, feel free to contact Gulf Coast Orthodontics today. Dr. Laboda and Dr. Rose are always here to help keep your family’s smiles healthy and bright, no matter where your travels take you.