Most orthodontic patients lead busy lives at school, work, and social obligations and it keeps them away from home throughout the day. This is a list of supplies which you should keep on hand to care for your braces when you're-on-the-go.
At Greater Vancouver Orthodontics, we typically advise patients to build themselves what we call a “braces kit”. The concept is simple: it's a pouch that they can keep handy while on the go so that they always have the items they need to care for their braces.
To create your braces kit, first find yourself a small pouch, bag or case to store everything in one place. Choose something which is clean, compact, and durable.
Based on your needs, include any combination of the following items in your braces kit:
Hygiene Products
As you know, it is important to clean your teeth thoroughly after ever meal to keep them free of plaque. The following items will help you do just that while on the go:
- Hand wipes (so you can clean your hands before brushing and flossing)
- A small tube of toothpaste
- A travel tooth brush
- Dental floss or disposable flossers
- Dental picks
- Anti-bacterial mouthwash
- A small hand-held mirror
Pain Management
You may find that your braces can cause you some discomfort. This can happen after adjustment appointments, or as a result of the friction of your braces against the inside of your mouth. These will help you deal with any pain or discomfort you're feeling:
- Ibuprofen (or other anti-inflammatory pain relief tablets)
- Dental wax or lip protectors
- Lip balm (to prevent chapping)
- Pain relief rinse packets (like Rincinol)
Miscellaneous Items
Your Orthodontist’s Office Phone Number
You should call your dental office immediately when you have a dental emergency. A piece of paper with your dentist's contact information will be handy and should be kept in your pouch. We’ll be able to book you in on the same day and take care of the problem.
Braces-Friendly Snacks
You may get hungry while you're out and about, and having braces means there are some dietary limitations. Having something with you to snack on that won’t damage your braces will help you get through the day between meals.
Try:
- Soft vegetables like peppers or cucumbers
- Soft fruit like grapes, bananas, or melon cubes
- Cottage cheese
- Yogurt cups (sugar free only!)
- Steamed edamame
- Pita slices with hummus, salsa or guacamole
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Avocado with sea salt and pepper
Have Invisalign or a Retainer? Don’t Forget Your Case!
You should always take your aligner/retainer case with you wherever you go, so that you have a safe spot to put your orthodontic appliance when you need to eat, brush or floss. When they're not in your mouth, your retainer or aligners should never be stored anywhere other than in their case; wrapping them in a napkin or placing them absent-mindedly on your lunch tray is a really easy way to lose of damage them.