Braces don’t have to get between you and a fun summer trip. However, they do require a bit of planning and special care. Here are some of our top tips for traveling with braces.
Make Time for a Checkup
If you’re not having any issues, it’s still a good idea to schedule a pre-vacation checkup within a week or two of your departure. That way, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your treatment is proceeding as planned. If you aren’t sure whether you need to come in or not, you can always call our office and ask.
Pack an Orthodontic Travel Kit
Tossing a toothbrush into your luggage doesn’t quite cut it when you have braces. It’s important to pack all of the supplies you will need to clean your braces and handle potential emergencies.
Here are some items that are perfect for your dental kit:
- A travel-size toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Dental floss and floss threaders
- Orthodontic wax
- Over-the-counter painkillers
- Extra rubber bands
- Lip balm
- A tongue scraper
- A compact mirror
It’s also smart to keep our contact info on hand. Pack one of our business cards in your dental kit to make sure you have our number in the event of an emergency.
Don’t Take a Vacation from Your Oral Routine
It’s easy to let some of your healthy habits fall to the wayside when you’re traveling — and that’s okay. But your oral hygiene routine is simply too important to put on hold.
Brush and floss regularly, even when doing so is inconvenient, or you feel tempted to skip. Stay away from the same foods you are supposed to avoid at home, including crunchy, hard, and sticky snacks. Even one bite of popcorn or caramel candy could cause damage.
Dr. Robert Rudman is here to help you navigate life with braces. If you need more information about traveling while wearing braces or another orthodontic appliance, call 303-331-0222 today. Advanced Orthodontic Care serves Denver, Cherry Creek, Stapleton, and nearby areas of Colorado.
