Summer Tips To Take Care Of Your Braces

Summer is here! It’s a busy time of year for everyone, with family vacations, sports, and fun events. Here are some tips to keep your braces and teeth in good shape so that you can make the most of your summer.

Vacations

Whether you’re going on a road trip or traveling to a different country, there are a couple things to keep in mind before you travel. First, if you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, make sure to schedule an appointment with us beforehand so that we can make sure your braces are in tip top shape. As for packing, make sure you have enough wax and bands to make it through the trip, in addition to your orthodontic hygiene kit and retainer case. That way, you can maintain good oral health even while on vacation.

Activities

We always recommend mouthguards for any contact sport, even if you don’t have braces. There are special mouth guards you can buy for braces or we can make you a custom mouthguard if you would like.  We also recommend that the patients take their retainers out for all sports, contact and non contact. This includes swimming- the last thing we’d want is for your retainer to get lost in the pool! Also avoid leaving your retainer in hot places, like your car while at the beach. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause your retainer to shrink! Finally, always make sure to store your retainer in the case provided to you.

Eating

Try to stay away from drinks that will stain your teeth like coffee, soft drinks or dark colored juices- Not only will drinks like this weaken your enamel but they will also darken that fabulous smile you’ve been working on! Try to keep a good teeth-brushing schedule, even if you’re busy. If you can’t fully brush your teeth after any meal, you can keep your mouth safe from staining and other possible pitfalls by swirling your mouth with water.

Be safe and have some fun in the sun this summer!