Tips for Having the Best Summer with Braces

We’re in the heat of the moment, another blazing summer season! Whether you’ve been on a staycation, working a summer job, or you’re about to head to the airport, braces make this season a little unique for our patients. Today, Humphrey Orthodontics will give you some tips for having the best summer with braces.

Making Travel Easy-Breezy!

An important aspect of this season is being able to care for your braces while you’re on the go. Whether or not you already carry a dental kit, here are some essential items you can check for:

• Orthodontic Toothbrush: This toothbrush has soft bristles and a small, angled head to clean around braces and brackets effectively.
• Orthodontic Wax: This is useful for emergencies or discomfort; it can cover sharp or protruding pieces that may irritate your lips or cheeks.
• Elastic Bands: Handy for securing loose brackets until you can visit our office.
• Floss Threaders: These are more convenient than regular dental floss; they can reach beneath wires and further back into the mouth.
• Travel-Sized Toothpaste: Ideal for use during outings or vacations, along with an orthodontic mouthwash.
• Interdental Brushes: Small and narrow; these help clean spaces between brackets.
• Compact Mirror or Dental Mirror: These allow you to see all areas of your mouth when cleaning effectively.

At Humphrey Orthodontics, we typically recommend having a little kit with supplies to help you in your daily routine at all times of the year. But keep your destination in mind when you have this kit in tow. If you’re hitting the beach, consider levels of sun exposure to avoid warping or uncomfortable temperatures. This might mean keeping them in a cooler place in your luggage or travel bag for an outing by the water. 

Other Tips for Summer Fun

These tips will serve you well whether you’re staying in Missouri or heading abroad!

1. 1. Protect Your Braces: If you’re having some sporting fun, be mindful of which sport it is and whether it can jeopardize your braces. Mouthguards are key, especially for high-contact sports like football or basketball or ones where there’s even a small chance of getting hit in the face by the ball, like volleyball or kickball.
   2. Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is crucial, particularly in the summertime. It helps prevent dry mouth, which can lead to quicker decay and is more common with braces.
   3. Use a Water Flosser: Investing in a water flosser can help effectively clean hard-to-reach areas in your mouth.
   4. Choose Braces-Friendly Foods: Enjoy summer treats that are gentle on your braces, such as soft fruits, yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, and grilled fish and vegetables. Avoid sticky and chewy foods that can damage your braces.
   5. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Be sure to keep up your routine of brushing and flossing after every meal, especially after consuming sugary snacks or beverages.
   6. Protect Your Braces at the Beach or Pool: When swimming, be mindful of the risk of damage from sand, chlorine, or salt water. Using a mouthguard while swimming can help protect your braces.
   7. Attend Orthodontic Appointments: Don’t skip your appointments with Dr. Humphrey, even during the busy summer break. Staying on track is important for great results. Virtual appointments are also available if you can’t make it in person.
   8. Keep an Eye on Kids: If this information applies to your child with braces, remind them of these tips and check in on their progress, as they may not always be vigilant on their own.
   9. Protect Your Lips: Use lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sunburn, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
   10. Protect Your Braces from Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight can cause your braces to heat up and become uncomfortable especially metal braces. Consider wearing a hat or staying in the shade for extended periods to avoid discomfort from too much exposure.
   11.  Remember the Goal: The discomfort and inconvenience of braces are temporary. The benefits of a straight, healthy smile are long-lasting. Whether it’s your first summer in braces or your second or third, remember the ultimate goal. Humphrey Orthodontics will cheer you on!
   12.  Enjoy Yourself: Above all, have lots of fun! We’re here to answer any questions you may have to ensure that braces don’t get in the way of your or your family’s summer. Braces may provide you with some additional parameters to follow, but you can still have a great time with help from Dr. Humphrey and the team.

The Key is Preparation!

If you have any additional questions about managing your braces during the summer, we are here to help! Sharing your plans with us, such as potentially extended travel or long-distance trips, can help us offer bespoke advice. To schedule your first or next appointment with Dr. Humphrey, you can contact our offices in Wentzville and St. Peters.