Whether
you're going on a quick weekend getaway or have an extended stay
planned, take a look at what you need to know about traveling with
braces.
By
now you've probably already developed an oral care routine with your
new braces. This should include brushing for at least two minutes
twice a day and flossing too. To keep your braces and teeth as clean
as possible, you should also brush after meals and snacks —
especially if you eat sticky or sweet foods.
Even
though it's not always easy to maintain your oral care schedule while
traveling, make your best effort to do so. This may mean you need to:
-
Set
an alarm. Use
your cell phone to set brushing reminder alarms. This extra step is
helpful if you're traveling out of the country and to a different
time zone or your vacation means you have an entirely different
schedule.
-
Change
brushing times. Sometimes
you have to make minor adjustments to maintain a healthy mouth
routine. If needed, adjust your brushing times based on your
vacation schedule.
-
Bring
a travel toothbrush. If
your brush is packed in a bag and you're on the road or in the air,
you can't use it. Bring a travel sized brush and floss along with
you in a carry-on or purse.
-
Substitute
a swish. If
you absolutely can't brush, swish after eating. Use fluoridated tap
water (if it's available) to reduce the risks of dental disease and
decay.
While
maintaining a healthy oral care routine is the first step to success,
it isn't the only one; here are some more ways to keep your braces in
top shape while traveling.
Like
your brushing habits, it's likely your eating habits will also change
while you're on vacation. Between dining out and an expanding menu of
options, you will need to:
-
Stay
away from sticky foods.
The saltwater taffy, candy, and other similar foods will stick to
your braces. Not only can these types of foods increase the risk of
dental decay, they can also pull brackets and wires out.
-
Avoid
hard foods.
Ice-filled beverages or anything else that includes sharp or hard
foods can chip teeth and the brackets on them. These include (but
aren't limited to), hard pretzels, some types of crackers, chips,
and crunchy vegetables.
-
Limit
sugary treats.
Even though sugary treats won't damage your braces, overdoing it
during vacation can lead to dental decay.
If
you find it difficult to avoid these types of foods or there aren't
acceptable menu options, bring along your own alternatives. This is
an ideal choice if you rent an apartment or stay in a hotel suite
with a kitchen or kitchenette.
Food
isn't the only thing you need to bring along on your vacation. To
maintain your healthy mouth and keep your braces safe, make sure you
have everything your dental devices require.
Before
you leave for vacation:
-
Check
what you can bring on your flight.
If you're flying, you may need to pack some of your dental routine
items in your checked bags. The TSA allows toothpaste that's less
than 3.4
ounces or
100 mL in carry-ons. You must put anything larger in a checked bag.
-
Decide
what you can buy.
If you have a specialized dental cleaning device or a favorite
product, bring what you need. You can buy other items as needed
during your trip.
-
Bring
comfort items.
Cleaning items aren't all you'll need. You may also need wax to stop
bracket irritation or a pain reliever.
Are
you unsure of what to bring? Visit the orthodontist or talk to the
office staff before your trip. The professional can help you to plan
a to-pack list.
Do
you need a pre-vacation orthodontist check-up? Contact Donald
E. Snyder Orthodontics for
more information.
