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Traveling with Braces – 6 ways to make your holiday memorable

A Smile Can Change Everything

Older couple driving in a convertible
It’s almost the start of the holiday season and we all deserve this break! Planning the perfect vacation for you and your family can be tricky. Whether you are traveling to the next town or are jetting off on a cool new destination, the fun and extravaganza of the trip remain the same.If you or your child has dental braces, traveling may seem painful and complicated. Have you thought of postponing or cancelling your trip because you have an orthodontic treatment lined up? Fret not, because there are just a few things you need to take care of while you travel. Let us walk you through the dos and don’ts of traveling with dental braces.When you start packing for your trip, don’t just pack your toiletries and clothes. Think about what you will need for your teeth and braces while you are away from home. Pack a dental braces kit and carry it with you at all times. This helps you in remaining ready for any dental emergencies that may emerge in the middle of your trip.

  1. Pack keeping in mind your Orthodontic Needs

One of the biggest reasons why we go on a holiday is for the amazing food that awaits us. But while you travel with braces, you need to be extra careful about the foods that you consume. The last thing you want to deal with is damaging your braces. Here are some foods you should avoid while you are traveling with dental braces.

  1. Make a list of what You Can and Cannot Eat
    • Avoid sugary drinks because their ingredients can cause tooth decay over time. It might even stain ceramic braces, clear aligners or your teeth.
    • As mouth-watering as it may sound, chewy foods like bagels and pizzas should be avoided as they may get stuck in your braces and might break your bracket or wire.
    • Cut fruits and vegetables into small bite-size pieces so that it is not hard for you to chew.

When you are traveling with braces, you need to be more conscious of your dental care routine. This includes brushing and flossing regularly after every meal. Since you will be out and about most time of the day, where you will stop by at restaurants and cafes for your meals, carry a small kit with you that stores your toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Make sure you clean your teeth after every meal and drink plenty of water to rinse away any food debris.

  1. Practice Good Oral Care

Before you travel, it is a good idea to check with your orthodontist if your dental braces need to be adjusted. If you notice any discomfort that could potentially affect your trip, this is the best time to address those issues.

  1. Pre-departure check-up

You may be tempted to travel without your aligners for the perfect selfie or family photo. However, to make sure your treatment stays on track; you need to wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, even when you are traveling.

  1. Travel with your aligners

Dental emergencies are occasional, however in an emergency situation, scheduling an emergency visit to the orthodontist is important. Alternatively, you can call your orthodontist to guide you through the pain.

  1. Be ready in case of a dental emergency

It is also important to understand that you may experience soreness or pain, 3-5 days after you have your braces on. This type of pain usually can be managed with home remedies and medications like Ibuprofen or Tylenol that are commonly consumed.

Have a wonderful vacation do not worry too much. Just remember that traveling with braces requires a little more care and attention, to keep the pain and discomfort at bay.

If you have any queries about traveling with braces, visit your experienced family orthodontist in Lawrenceville if you need your braces to be adjusted and tips on how to keep up with good hygiene.

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