We are in full swing of summer and families hitting the road for vacation are well underway. As you embark on a fun-filled holiday of your own, it is important to maintain good practices when it comes to taking care of your braces and overall oral health. No one wants to break a wire while on the beach! Before departing for your summer vacation, take with you some of Dr. Zaytoun Jr’s tips in order to keep your braces safe, happy and healthy!
Bring an oral hygiene kit (toiletry bag) that includes your toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. Some grocery stores and pharmacies sell kits just for people who have braces!
Use the floss to get in-between brackets and underneath wires.
Use the wax given to you from your visits to put on wires should they rub or poke the sides of your mouth.
Make sure you smile and show off your cool colored bans to everyone you can!
Ok, now we know the basics, but what about when you want to cheat and eat something maybe you shouldn’t? After all, it is a vacation, right? Disregard the temptation and avoid these foods in particular when traveling:
Sticky food items
Whole fruits like apples, pears, etc.
Corn still on the cob
Crunchy/hard foods like nuts, jerky, and granola
Anything frozen
Those of you, who have Invisalign, make sure to keep up the practice of wearing your aligner trays for 21-22 hours a day and taking them out when eating. Continue to brush and floss to maintain good oral health.
By remembering these tips along with your travels, you are due to have a vacation full of fun and happiness….oh and healthy braces!
I’ve been around orthodontics for as long as I can remember with my father opening Zaytoun Orthodontics in 1959. That upbringing of being around my father and watching him change lives through perfecting smiles helped guide me in figuring out what I wanted to do when I grew up, which was to be in the healthcare field. Orthodontics for over 30 years. Joining my father and sister was a thrill for me and something that sets us apart from other orthodontists.
