Heading away from home for a business trip, vacation, or to visit family? Don’t forget to think about your braces when creating a packing list or itinerary. Here’s what Sturgill Orthodontics encourages you to consider when traveling with braces.
Visiting Sturgill Orthodontics
Any trip requires careful planning. You need time off from work, a place to stay, a destination, a budget, a packed suitcase, and reservations.
If you’re an adult with braces or your child has braces, you also have to plan for how that could affect your trip, your packing needs, and orthodontic treatment.
Before you head out on your adventure, check in with your orthodontist at Sturgill Orthodontics!
We need to make sure you won’t miss an essential check-up or require any adjustments, especially if you plan to be gone for an extended period.
We can also make sure your clear braces are in tip-top shape before you go, reducing your chances of a broken bracket or other orthodontic emergency while you’re gone.
It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Keeping Up With Your Oral Hygiene
Taking a break from work does not mean you can take a break from your oral hygiene routine!
Your business trip is also not a good time to get lazy with your oral health regimen.
The bacteria and plaque in your mouth never slack off or take a vacation from attacking your teeth!
You’ve got to stay on top of brushing and flossing to avoid white spots on teeth and cavities, especially if you plan on indulging in more sweet treats than usual.
So, don’t forget to pack everything you need to keep your smile sparkling and healthy, including things like your portable water flosser and the charger for your toothbrush.
Depending on where you go, replacing items left behind might not be so easy.
Plus, don’t you just hate spending money on things you already own?
Taking A Portable Braces Care Kit
The braces care kit you bring to work or school shouldn’t be forgotten when traveling!
A little bag or container holding everything you need at arm’s length can be the difference between a good day and a bad one.
A good braces kit keeps you hydrated, prevents or soothes mouth sores or discomfort, and helps maintain oral health throughout the day.
When traveling, it has the added benefit of keeping you photo-ready, comfortable, and professional by keeping your braces clean, breath fresh, and pain-free.
Before tossing your kit in your bag, double-check that you don’t need to restock or replace any of the following:
- Travel-Size Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Interdental Brushes
- Orthodontic Rubber Bands
- Waxed Floss
- Floss Threaders
- A Small Concave Mirror
- Orthodontic Wax
- Orajel
- Ibuprofen or other OTC pain reliever
- Lip Balm
Pack more than you think you will need of items like rubber bands, wax, and Ibuprofen, just in case. As the old saying goes, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Eating A Braces-Friendly Diet
One of our favorite parts of vacation is trying new foods at local restaurants.
However, when you’re an orthodontic patient, you can’t go trying all the food willy-nilly.
You have to remember that your braces are hard at work, and certain foods can damage them and disrupt their workflow.
Broken braces can be uncomfortable, killing your relaxed mood on the trip and, in severe cases, jeopardizing your orthodontic treatment.
Remember to ask about the ingredients in a dish and skip meals and snacks that have anything hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy that could dislodge a bracket or wire.
If there’s something you really want to try and you’re not sure if it’s safe to eat, ask us at Sturgill Orthodontics!
We don’t want your braces to put a damper on your trip, and sometimes, a simple modification like cutting the food into bite-sized pieces can remove it from the “foods to avoid with braces” list.
Also, while you’re free to enjoy the occasional sugary drink or coffee, try to stick to mostly water.
Water ensures maximum comfort by preventing dry mouth and mouth sores.
It also washes away food, bacteria, and plaque throughout the day, keeping your metal and ceramic braces clean and discrete.
Prepping For Emergencies
Now, let’s talk about what no one likes to think about–the worst-case scenarios.
If traveling abroad, see if your travel insurance covers dental or orthodontic emergencies.
On the off chance something serious happens, you don’t want to waste time reading insurance paperwork or being on hold with the insurance company.
Know before you go to reduce stress in a stressful situation.
If you have any issues on your trip, it’ll probably involve a broken or loose bracket or wire.
Managing Orthodontic Problems While On The Road
These concerns can almost always be easily managed until you can return to Sturgill Orthodontics. Here’s how:
Orthodontic Wax
Got a pokey or pinching wire or bracket? No worries! Slap some orthodontic wax over it to prevent further irritation and keep your gums and cheeks happy. Braces wax is also good for holding loose or dislodged brackets and wires in place.
Ice
Feeling some swelling? Grab an ice pack (or a cold soda can) and press it against the sore spot to numb the pain and reduce swelling.
Pain Reliever
Keep some ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever handy to tackle any unexpected aches or soreness that might pop up.
Orajel
For those stubborn sore spots, a little dab of Orajel will numb the pain and keep you smiling. Just keep an eye on the area because, unlike orthodontic wax, Orajel won’t prevent the issue from worsening.
Nail Clippers
If a wire is driving you absolutely nuts and wax isn’t cutting it, use sanitized nail clippers to carefully trim the pesky part—but be gentle!
And last but not least, if you find yourself with broken braces, do not try to fix them yourself!
Attempting to remove damaged pieces or glue brackets back into place will only cause avoidable problems and risk harm to your teeth.
Create A Smile You’d Love To Show Off On Vacation With Sturgill Orthodontics!
Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe or heading out on a road trip, Sturgill Orthodontics has got your back.
We’re here to ensure your braces stay in top shape so you can enjoy your trip without a hitch.
Need an appointment in Johnson City, TN, Norton, VA, or Bristol, TN, before you go?
Give us a call, and let’s keep that smile shining bright! Safe travels!