Nothing beats the feeling of seeing a new place and trying out new stuff, although worrying about your braces can dampen the fun. Our patients here at Farnsworth Family Orthodontics usually ask us, “What should I consider when traveling with braces?”
With the right preparation, you can make the most out of your trip. Below are a few reminders to travel hassle-free with your braces.
Preparing With Braces In Mind
Beyond your travel and accommodations, add braces care into your planning session. Check out the following tips for a smoother experience on the road:
- Pack the Essentials
Make sure your oral health doesn’t stay in the backseat. Pack an orthodontic care kit that has your toothbrush, enough toothpaste, and mouthwash. Additionally, wearing braces means that you’ll also need orthodontic wax. Also, depending on your preference, you could also consider bringing a floss threader, water flosser, or an interdental brush.
By packing these things beforehand, you reduce the risks of forgetting them. Although there might be an orthodontist or a supplies store at your destination, knowing you already have everything in your bag adds a layer of comfort and reassurance.
- Prepare Extras
If your braces use rubber bands or elastics, remember to bring extra ones. You’ve probably experienced having a rubber band snap, so keeping a spare or two ensures you don’t spoil the fun by being caught unprepared.
The same goes for your other oral care supplies. Depending on how long you’ll be out, it wouldn’t hurt to pack an extra toothpaste or orthodontic wax.
- Bring Pain Relief
Avoid sharp stinging pain from ruining your trip. Make sure you keep some over-the-counter pain medication nearby, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. Just make sure to follow the guidelines before taking these medicines.
Additionally, always be ready for an ice pack or a saltwater rinse as these are also effective means of alleviating pain or soothing your mouth. A pack of salt or a medical ice bag doesn’t take up too much space and can come in handy.
- Squeeze an Appointment
Preparing for a trip is already a busy affair, but as much as you can, set a quick appointment with Farnsworth Family Orthodontics. Dr. David Farnsworth, Dr. Justin Sorensen, or Dr. Jae Brimhall can take a look at you for a quick evaluation.
Whether you need a braces adjustment or a new set of aligners before you leave, checking in with your orthodontist helps you better prepare for your trip.
Once you’re all set, you can take off without worrying about whether you’ve forgotten anything. Should things go amiss with your braces, you’re well-equipped to address them without compromising your travel.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene on the Go
Taking in the new sights and experiences makes it easy to miss out on your usual oral hygiene. Here are a few pointers to help you stay on top of taking care of your teeth and your braces:
- Brush After Eating: Whenever possible, stop by and brush your teeth after every meal. See if you can carry a travel-sized set of a toothbrush and toothpaste, or if walking back to your accommodation isn’t too much trouble.
- Regularly Drink Water: In instances where brushing isn’t possible, at least drink sufficient amounts of water. Not only does it quench your thirst, but it also washes down any food material left from your last meal. Keeping your mouth hydrated also prevents any bacteria build-up, plus the cleaned palate makes you ready for your next meal without negatively affecting taste.
- Chew Sugarless Gum: There are chewing gums recommended by orthodontists, even for people wearing braces. Sugarless variants are considered safe for orthodontic appliances on top of encouraging saliva flow in your mouth, keeping it hydrated.
- Check Your Brushing Water: If you’re going someplace where clean water isn’t readily available, or if you’re uncertain, don’t hesitate to use bottled water. Not only do you put yourself at risk with unsanitary water, but you also risk your toothbrush and your braces getting contaminated.
Enjoy Brace-Friendly Meals
One challenge among people with braces is that certain food items can do more harm than good. Noting the dos and don’ts of eating and drinking won’t take the fun away from your gastronomic adventure, but will help you plan on what foods to eat and which places to visit.
As a general rule, avoid the following kinds of foods:
- Crunchy foods: Hard or brittle foods can bend your archwires and dislodge brackets. This is why chewing on ice should also be avoided, even if it’s to alleviate pain.
- Chewy foods: Examples include lollies, sweets, cheese chunks, marshmallows, and bagels. Excessive chewing can easily loosen your wires and potentially break your brackets, and these foods can also get stuck between your teeth.
- Sticky foods: Similar to chewy foods, sticky and thick foods can easily get lodged between wires and brackets. These food items are not only hard to clean but can also deform your braces due to their consistency.
Get Braces You Can Wear Anywhere
Wearing braces doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life. With the right preparation and effort, you can make the most out of your next trip without your orthodontic treatment getting in the way.
Now that we’ve gotten those brace-related traveling woes out of the way, there’s no reason to fear getting one. If you’ve been looking to achieve straighter teeth with braces, drop by Farnsworth Family Orthodontics at our offices in Texas and New Mexico. Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s get you the smile you deserve.