However, if you’d like to surf or witness sunset at Uluwatu in Bali, Tulum in Mexico, Honolulu in Hawaii or Dune du Pilat in France, then you better bring more than just your passport.
Traveling is exciting, and following are practical tips to help you care for your braces, ensuring that your orthodontic journey remains on track.
Pack Your Orthodontic Essentials
While traveling, it’s easy to deviate from your regular oral care routine. However, consistency is crucial, especially when you have braces. Make a conscious effort to brush and floss twice daily. Before embarking on your journey, pack your travel kit with all the necessary orthodontic essentials to keep your braces clean and in good condition:
1. Travel-sized Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Brushing your teeth after every meal is essential to prevent food particles from getting stuck in your braces. Pack a 75ml travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush to bring on the plane.
2. Floss and Interdental Brushes: Flossing and using interdental brushes are crucial for cleaning between your braces and teeth.
3. Orthodontic Wax: In case of any discomfort or irritation from your braces, orthodontic wax can provide temporary relief. Keep a small supply of orthodontic wax in your travel kit.
4. Orthodontic Kit: Invest in a compact orthodontic kit that includes all the necessary tools for braces maintenance, such as dental wax and a small mirror.
5. Mouthguard: If you plan on engaging in physical activities or sports while traveling, protect your braces by investing in a mouthguard specifically designed to shield your teeth and braces from impact and injuries.
Stay Hydrated and Avoid Sticky Foods
Hydration is key to maintaining good oral health. Drink plenty of water while traveling to keep your mouth clean and prevent dehydration.
Also, a braces-friendly diet is essential, especially when you’re away from home. While indulging in international cuisine, be mindful of the foods you consume to avoid any potential damage to your braces. Avoid sticky and hard foods that can damage your braces or get stuck in them. Opt for soft and easy-to-eat foods and braces-friendly snacks like fruits, yoghurt, and soft vegetables.
Keep Your Braces Clean
It’s crucial to keep your braces and orthodontic tools clean. Rinse your toothbrush, interdental brushes, and other orthodontic instruments with water after each use. Allow them to air dry or use a clean towel to dry them before storing them back in your travel kit. Follow these tips:
1. Brush after Every Meal to remove food particles and plaque from your braces and teeth.
2. Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
3. Carry a Water Flosser for cleaning between your braces, reaching areas that are difficult to access with traditional floss.
Emergency Care for Braces
Despite your best efforts, emergencies can still happen while traveling. Be prepared by knowing how to handle common orthodontic issues:
1. Carry South Coast Orthodontics’ Contact Information including telephone: +61242168600 and email: info@southcoastortho.com.au. Save our details in your phone and carry a physical copy with you. Alternatively, this is our google business profile: South Coast Orthodontics https://g.co/kgs/zNvAvEA
2. If a bracket or wire becomes loose or breaks, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp edges, take a photo of your teeth, email to info@southcoastortho.com.au, and schedule an appointment with me as soon as possible.
3. If you experience pain or discomfort from your braces, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain medication.
4. If you lose any orthodontic appliances while traveling, contact South Coast Orthodontics for guidance on temporary solutions. We’ll try to assist you in sourcing the right orthodontist for emergency interstate or international travels.
Traveling with braces should not hinder your enjoyment of new experiences and adventures. However, before embarking on your journey, schedule a check-up with me to ensure that your braces are in good condition and that any necessary adjustments are made. After returning from your travels, schedule a follow-up appointment to address any issues that may have arisen.
Caring for your braces while traveling is essential to maintaining the progress of your orthodontic treatment. By following these tips and being prepared, your orthodontic journey will remain on track, even when you’re on the go.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kamal Ahmed
P.S Why did the food on the small aircraft taste bad? Because it was a little plane.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s important to continue practicing good oral hygiene while traveling with braces. Make sure to pack a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to clean your braces after meals. Consider carrying a small mirror to help you see those hard-to-reach spots.
2. How can I prevent my braces from breaking or getting damaged while traveling?
To prevent damage to your braces while on the go, avoid eating hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can potentially break your brackets or wires. If you participate in any physical activities or sports like rugby league, be sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces. We can provide them free of charge for you at South Coast Orthodontics. It’s also a good idea to pack a small orthodontic emergency kit with wax, tweezers, and orthodontic elastics in case of any issues.
3. What should I do if I experience discomfort or a loose bracket while traveling?
If you experience any discomfort or notice a loose bracket while traveling, try to gently push the bracket back into place with a pencil eraser or tweezers. You can also place orthodontic wax over any sharp or protruding wires to prevent irritation. It’s important to contact South Coast Orthodontics on 0242168600 as soon as possible to schedule a visit once you return home for any necessary adjustments or repairs.
