Summer is a popular season to travel. If you’re planning to hit the road, you won’t be able to bring everything with you. But no matter where you go, you can’t forget to keep up with your dental care. This is doubly true if you’re currently wearing braces! But what should you pack in your braces kit for travel? We’ll break down the essentials so you can have fun in the sun without worrying about teeth and braces.
The Essentials for Your Orthodontic Braces Kit
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
These should be staples of any travel kit, so don’t forget them! You can always choose to bring travel toothbrushes, but remember to keep an interproximal brush too. They’re one of the best ways to help keep your teeth and braces clean.
Floss & Floss Threaders
Flossing is even more important when you have braces. And while it can be difficult, your vacation shouldn’t include taking a break from flossing. Bring floss and floss threaders to make it easier to stay on top of this critical care routine.
Travel Mirror
A portable, foldable mirror is often one of the best additions to your braces travel kit. It can help you make sure you don’t miss anything when flossing.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
You should plan to keep a small bottle of over-the-counter pain-relieving medicine in your travel braces kit. This can help minimize temporary tooth pain until you visit a dentist or orthodontist in case of an accident or emergency.
Tweezers
It’s always good to be prepared for minor emergencies. For those wearing metal braces, a tweezer will help you manipulate a wire and possibly even put it back in place.
Dental Wax
Orthodontic wax can be helpful in several situations. In addition to preventing discomfort and mouth sores, you can use it in case an orthodontic wire comes loose on your trip.
Orthodontic Bands
If your treatment requires the use of rubber bands, don’t forget to pack plenty of extras. It’s important to follow your treatment plan exactly as your orthodontist intended, so don’t end up in a situation where you can’t!
Invisalign Sets
If you’re using Invisalign®, one of the alternatives types of braces, you’ll want to plan to bring aligners for each week. If you’ll be gone for a long trip, don’t forget to bring the aligners you’ll need for the whole duration.
Protect Your Teeth While You Have Fun
Your travel braces kit can help protect you, but the best way to keep your teeth and gums safe on vacation is to practice healthy habits:
Continue Brushing & Flossing Daily
A daily dental care routine is just as necessary when you’re on the road as it is when you’re at home. There’s always time in the morning and before you go to bed to take the few minutes needed to brush and floss your teeth.
Avoid Sugary Foods & Drinks
If you’re traveling, you should certainly enjoy yourself and enjoy a variety of foods and drinks. But try not to go overboard when it comes to sugary foods or beverages. If you eat or drink anything that might promote tooth decay, just make sure you brush when you get back to where you’re staying.
It might not be a bad idea to consider packing a few straws, either. Drinking with a straw can help you minimize the amount of sugar or acid that contacts your teeth.
Research Orthodontists Near Your Vacation Location
While it’s always best to receive care from your regular orthodontist, this could save you from having to cut your trip short. Before you go, look online and note down the contact information for one or two orthodontists in the area so you know where to turn in case of an emergency.
If you do need an emergency visit for any reason, make sure to tell your regular orthodontist what happened as soon as you can, too!
Schedule a Free Consultation
Looking for more information on keeping your teeth and braces clean? You can find out how we can help by scheduling a free consultation! Contact us online or call 440-842-8015.
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