Summer Survival Tips for Braces Wearers

Long Beach, CA –Summertime and the living is easy – but not without paying a bit of attention to your orthodontic treatment. No matter how you are spending your summer, it’s important to keep your orthodontic treatment on track. With a bit of planning, you don’t have to let your braces get in the way of enjoying your summer.

Summer Braces Tips For Orthodontic Patients

Dr. Heather Desh and the team at HD Orthodontics have some tips for orthodontic patients to follow.

1. Keep our contact info handy. We know many patients will enjoy spending their summer traveling. Whether you’re planning on going away to a summer camp, enjoying some weekend getaways, or jet-setting around the world, one thing that is important is to keep the phone number and email for your orthodontist handy. No one plans for an emergency, but you certainly don’t want to be left wondering what to do should one arise. By keeping all contact information with you, you’ll be able to get in touch with your orthodontic team so you’ll know what to do should an orthodontic issue arise while you’re traveling. We have colleagues all over the world that we can reach out to if something happens to your braces on vacation, and most of them are more than willing to help out at no cost.
2. Carry your care kit. Many of us love an on-the-go lifestyle during the summer. Whether you are running to amusement parks, the pool, beach, or hanging out with friends, it can be helpful to pack a braces care kit with you so you can have all the tools you need while you’re out and about. Some helpful items to include in your kit are: a toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, interdental proxi-brushes, wax, and a nail clipper for any emergency wire clips that might be needed. You can also throw in an over-the-counter pain medication if you’ve recently had an adjustment.
3. Pay attention to what you eat. Vacation mode means lots of yummy foods, but don’t forget to pay attention to the foods you should be avoiding. Anything too hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy can damage your brackets and wires. Don’t worry though, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat anything fun! Ice cream, popsicles, smoothies, and so much more can be enjoyed without having to worry about damage to your braces.
4. Don’t forget a mouthguard. If you play summer sports, don’t forget to throw in a mouthguard as part of your uniform. While people typically think of mouthguards only for high contact sports, you should wear one for any activity where a blow to the mouth could occur.
5. Remember your routine. You may be staying up late and sleeping in, but don’t skimp on your oral care routine. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is an essential part of your orthodontic treatment, so remember to brush and floss two times a day for two minutes each time.
6. Remember your appointments. Maintaining your regular checkups with your orthodontist is important, even on summer break. These appointments ensure your treatment stays on track, so don’t take a break from these.
7. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important during the hot summer months, but keeping water handy is also a good tip for braces wearers. You may not always have immediate access to brush your teeth after eating, but having water handy can ensure you can rinse away remaining food particles until you can find time to brush.

No matter where summer takes you, if you follow these tips, you can keep your orthodontic treatment on track and have a stress-free summer. The team at HD Orthodontics is always here to answer questions or address concerns. Call us at 562-283-6590 (or email info@hdorthodontics.com) if you need us and enjoy your summer!