The summer is jovially here and it is the perfect time to travel because of the great weather and time off from school and work but if you have gone through any oral treatment such as braces, then it becomes important to make sure that you are taking care of your braces on vacation so that there aren’t any gaps in your treatment.
One of the best Orthodontists Albany states what you need to know before you go on a vacation, especially if you’re traveling and with braces still intact. When you travel, it is always important to remember to pack all the things you will require, and when you are traveling with braces that becomes critically important. Even short mistreatment in taking care of your braces on vacation can lead to prolong treatment time or eventually cause cavities but do not worry because the guidance in this article by orthodontists dealing with dental braces Albany will be more than enough to help!
The basics include a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, but you should also pack a couple of additional items such as mouthwash for situations when there is absolutely no water available to brush your teeth and a pack of dental picks to remove those sticky food particles that are very likely to get stuck inside the braces.
Eat Smart
When you are traveling to a new city or country, you will get to experience all of the culinary delights that the world has to offer. It can range from exotic foods you have never tried to regional classics that are made with perfection and your taste buds will eventually crave authentic flavors and ingredients that you cannot get anywhere else. But no matter how badly you may want to sink your braces-covered teeth into any new dish insight because there are certain types of foods that can break your brackets, bend your archwires, or if not, then just plain damage the health of your teeth and gums. So in order to avoid such situations, your orthodontist may advise you to stick with braces-friendly foods while on holiday. It becomes more important as it may be more difficult to visit an orthodontist if you develop any dental problems or lose a bracket in such a place.
Sticky Foods you Need to Avoid
While we do not want to limit you from what to eat and what to not, we certainly do have a list of a few things that you must avoid for your own good and avoid any kind of unwanted troubles.
- Gum that is regular, and sugar-free is less sticky.
- Licorice.
- Toffee and Candy.
- Caramels.
- Dried fruit.
- Hard and starchy foods.
- Ice.
- Nuts such as whole nuts, chopped or sliced are more brace friendly.
- Taco shells.
- French bread.
- Corn.
- Apples and carrots.
- Bagels.
- Chips and Pizza crust.
Stay Hydrated
Whether you are wearing traditional metal braces or Invisalign, your mouth is going to have a sense that something is present inside the mouth that is causing you to produce a lot of extra salivae and become dehydrated soon. While you are trying to explore all of the new sights and sounds on your vacation, it is mandatory to keep a large water bottle of clean drinking water with you at all times to stay adequately hydrated. Additionally, you can use water in your hand to clean your teeth and gums by flossing some water around your mouth!
The Necessary Tool Kit
Vacations can be hectic and a non-stop adventure, so it becomes equally important to keep an extra set of oral hygiene tools with you wherever you go. Regardless of how planned your vacation and its implementation maybe, you could always end up needing a travel-sized toothbrush or floss picks after an unexpected meal or snack anytime. To stay prepared for the adventures of your journey, you should keep a backup braces tool kit with you at all times.
There are some important oral hygiene tools to keep that can be handy and it includes:
- Travel-Sized Toothbrush.
- Nylon Floss Picks.
- Orthodontic Wax, if you are new with the braces.
- Compact Mirror.
Advice for Invisalign Braces
When you are somewhere out on a vacation with Invisalign braces on, make sure to keep your aligners with you at all times. Instead of keeping them away in a checked bag during your flight, keep them handy in a tool kit that you can carry. Flights could be delayed, or your luggage can be lost, therefore it becomes essentially important to keep your trays with yourself at all times. If you lose your Invisalign trays during the vacation, then the progress you have made so far during your treatment, thus comes to a screeching halt. Once you reach your travel destination, the same rules apply and it is to make sure to keep your aligners and their case with you no matter where you go. Remember, it is also advised that one must wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours each day!