Orthodontic Hygiene Tips for Summer Vacations from Bennion Lambourne Orthodontics
Summer vacation is a golden opportunity for families to create beautiful memories together. The sunny beaches, thrilling mountain trails, and charming hometown visits are something to look forward to. However, if your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, ensuring that their braces maintenance doesn’t fall by the wayside is imperative. At Bennion Lambourne Orthodontics, we are committed to helping you maintain excellent oral hygiene on the go, making sure travel orthodontic care is fun and stress-free.
Why Travel Orthodontic Care Matters
Keeping up with orthodontic care while traveling is crucial. Disregarding braces maintenance can lead to discomfort, unexpected emergencies, or delays in treatment. With proper preparation and our handy tips, you can ensure your child’s orthodontic journey continues smoothly, even on vacation.
Preparing for Your Summer Vacation
Before embarking on your summer adventure, it’s essential to prepare adequately. Here are several steps you can take to make travel orthodontic care easier.
- Schedule a Pre-Travel Checkup
To ensure your child’s braces are in good shape before your trip, schedule a checkup at one of our convenient locations:
- Billings West End Office: 152 S. 32nd Street W. Suite A, Billings, MT 59102, (406) 245-4414
- Billings Heights Office: 711 W. Wicks Lane, Billings, MT 59105, (406) 245-4414
- Cody Office: 2910 Big Horn Ave, Cody, WY 82414, (307) 587-5451
- Sheridan Office: 1274 North Main Street, Sheridan, WY 82801, (307) 672-6917
- Gillette Office: 530 Running W. Dr., Suite 100, Gillette, WY 82718, (307) 686-5665
A pre-travel appointment allows us to inspect the braces, make any necessary adjustments, and provide specific travel advice. It’s also a perfect time to replenish any orthodontic supplies.
- Assemble an Orthodontic Travel Kit
Make traveling with braces easier by packing an orthodontic travel kit. Include the following essentials:
- Travel-sized toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Orthodontic wax for relieving discomfort
- Interdental brushes or proxabrushes for cleaning around brackets
- Dental floss or a floss threader
- A small mirror for quick checks and adjustments
- Extra elastics if required
Maintaining Braces and Oral Hygiene on the Go
Ensuring your child sticks to their orthodontic routine while traveling is key to a successful treatment outcome. Below are effective strategies for maintaining braces and oral hygiene during your vacation.
- Stick to Routine Brushing and Flossing
Encourage your child to maintain their regular brushing and flossing regimen by following these steps:
- Brush After Meals: Use a travel-sized toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush for at least two minutes, focusing on areas around the brackets and wires.
- Floss Daily: Flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food particles. A floss threader can be beneficial in navigating around braces.
- Ensure Adequate Hydration
Staying hydrated plays a vital role in dental health by helping to wash away food particles and bacteria.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Water is the best choice for maintaining oral hygiene on the go, especially after meals.
- Limit Sugary Drinks: Sugary and acidic drinks can damage enamel and lead to decay around braces.
- Choose Braces-Friendly Foods
While on vacation, it’s tempting to indulge in various snacks, but it’s important to choose braces-safe options:
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Steer clear of popcorn, nuts, hard candies, and sticky sweets to prevent damage to the braces.
- Opt for Soft, Nutritious Snacks: Consider yogurt, cheese sticks, soft fruits (cut into bite-sized pieces), and smoothies.
Managing Orthodontic Emergencies During Travel
Despite best efforts, sometimes emergencies happen. Here’s how to manage common orthodontic issues if they arise during your trip:
- Loose or Broken Brackets
If a bracket becomes loose or breaks, follow these steps:
- Apply Orthodontic Wax: Cover the loose bracket with wax to prevent irritation and keep it in place.
- Contact Bennion Lambourne Orthodontics: Call us promptly for advice on whether immediate action is required.
- Poking Wires
Poking wires can cause significant discomfort. Here’s how to address them:
- Adjust the Wire: Use a clean spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire back into place.
- Use Orthodontic Wax: Cover the protruding wire with wax to minimize irritation.
- Lost Rubber Bands
If your child loses a rubber band, replace it as soon as possible:
- Carry Extras: Always have spare elastics in your orthodontic travel kit.
- Replace Promptly: Immediate replacement is crucial to maintain treatment progress.
Creating a Fun and Engaging Oral Hygiene Routine
Maintaining braces doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are some creative ways to keep your child engaged in their orthodontic routine:
- Enjoy Braces-Friendly Recipes
Make meals and snacks enjoyable with orthodontic-friendly recipes:
Fresh Fruit Smoothies
Smoothies are a delicious and nutritious option that’s gentle on braces:
- Ingredients: Frozen berries, banana, Greek yogurt, milk or juice
- Instructions: Blend until smooth to create a refreshing treat.
Yogurt Parfaits
Delight your child with these soft and braces-friendly snacks:
- Ingredients: Greek yogurt, honey, soft fruits like blueberries and strawberries
- Instructions: Layer the yogurt with honey and fruits in a bowl or glass for a tasty snack.
- Turn Oral Hygiene into a Game
Encourage your child to stick to their oral hygiene routine by making it fun:
- Use a Timer: Use a fun timer or a brushing app to ensure they brush for the full two minutes.
- Create a Reward System: Set up a reward chart for consistent brushing and flossing.
Scheduling a Checkup Before School Starts
As summer winds down, it’s the perfect opportunity to schedule your child’s orthodontic checkup before the new school year begins. At Bennion Lambourne Orthodontics, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure their treatment is progressing smoothly.
Visit Our Office
- Billings West End Office: 152 S. 32nd Street W. Suite A, Billings, MT 59102, (406) 245-4414
- Billings Heights Office: 711 W. Wicks Lane, Billings, MT 59105, (406) 245-4414
- Cody Office: 2910 Big Horn Ave, Cody, WY 82414, (307) 587-5451
- Sheridan Office: 1274 North Main Street, Sheridan, WY 82801, (307) 672-6917
- Gillette Office: 530 Running W. Dr., Suite 100, Gillette, WY 82718, (307) 686-5665
A back-to-school checkup allows us to review your child’s progress, make necessary adjustments, and provide additional guidance on maintaining their orthodontic care during the busy school year.
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation
Ensuring your child’s braces and oral health remain in top shape during summer vacation is simpler when you’re well-prepared. Here are a few final tips for a stress-free experience:
- Pack the Essentials
Having the right tools on hand simplifies braces maintenance:
- Focus on Essentials: Pack necessary items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and orthodontic wax.
- Maintain Consistency
Consistency is key in maintaining oral hygiene:
- Stick to Routines: Encourage your child to stick to their regular brushing and flossing schedule.
- Stay Hydrated: Promote drinking water and choosing braces-friendly snacks to maintain their oral health.
Conclusion
At Bennion Lambourne Orthodontics, we are committed to making orthodontic care straightforward and stress-free, even during summer vacations. By following these tips and preparing in advance, you can ensure your child’s orthodontic treatment stays on track while enjoying your summer adventures.
Remember to schedule a checkup before the school year begins to keep their treatment on schedule. Call us today at one of our five locations to book an appointment and let’s make this summer memorable and healthy for your child’s smile!
Happy travels and happy smiles from the team at Bennion Lambourne Orthodontics!