By preparing ahead of time for unexpected trips, you can make life with braces a little easier. Today our Vancouver orthodontist shares some tips on how to be prepared for any trip, while you have braces.
Prepare a Ready-to-Go Oral Hygiene Kit
If you have braces, keeping a pre-packed kit ready to go at all times, can make travelling with braces much easier. Our orthodontist suggests that when you first get your braces, buy a small pouch or case that will fit easily into a purse, backpack, or carry-on case, and fill it with items that you will need to maintain your oral hygiene routine whenever you're away from home.
Here are some items you should have in your pouch at all times, so that it's ready to go whenever you are:
- Toothpaste
- A travel toothbrush with brush cover
- Mouthwash
- Dental floss or picks
- Lip balm to prevent chapping
- Ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory pain relief tablets
- Hand-held mirror
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Whether you are on vacation or on a business trip, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices while you have braces, including cleaning your teeth every time you eat and flossing daily.
Letting your routine slide while you're away can make it challenging to get back on track once you get home. Resist the temptation to take a break from good oral hygiene. Not taking proper care of your teeth while away from home will increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Take Along Some Braces-Friendly Snacks
Our orthodontists understand that travel can mess with your regular eating patterns, but don't take risks with your braces when deciding what to eat while travelling. If you're away from home, you may not be able to get to your orthodontist quickly if something happens to one of your brackets or wires. That's why being extra cautious is a good idea while travelling.
Be sure to avoid crunchy, hard, chewy or sticky foods that could damage braces. You may find it helpful to bring along some compact, braces-friendly foods so that you will be less tempted to snack on foods that could damage your brackets or wires.
Here are a few of our favourite soft food snacks:
- Avocado with sea salt and pepper
- Yogurt cups
- Cottage Cheese
- Soft fruit like grapes or bananas
- Soft vegetables like peppers or cucumbers
- Pita slices with hummus