The awaited summer holidays have arrived and many of us will be getting ready to enjoy some well-earned time away. It’s a great time for your child to start braces treatment as you’ll have more time to make the necessary appointments with them, however you’ll need to be careful when going on holiday and keep a few things in mind if they’ll be wearing braces throughout the summer:
Going on holiday? What you’ll need
It can take a bit of time to get used to wearing braces and they may irritate the mouth and gums at first. However taking care of your child’s teeth and mouth and getting them to care for their braces whilst you’re travelling should be simple with these handy essentials:
- A travel-sized toothbrush
- Dental floss - waxed floss or dental tape might be easier to get between teeth and less likely to break
- Orthodontic wax to help ease irritation inside the mouth - this can be provided by your orthodontist
- Travel-sized mouthwash
- A small mirror so that they can fix any issues
- A waterproof bag to keep all the items so that you can bring them wherever you go – even at the beach!
Despite being a relaxed break for them it’s so important to ensure your child is maintaining a proper dental routine over the summer, especially when you’re on holiday and you may not be able to get the orthodontic care you need straight away. So keep these items on your packing list!
Don’t go overboard on the ice cream
The holidays are the time to treat your child and let them indulge, however, it’s wise to be aware of what foods to avoid when wearing braces. There are certain types of foods such as hard, sticky or chewy foods that can damage the brackets and wires, which will be difficult to fix if you’re on holiday. Damaging the braces could also prolong the treatment time for your child so always be mindful of what they can eat.
Sugary foods like ice cream and sugary drinks should also be had in moderation, as it’s easy for food particles to become trapped between the braces and harder to clean the teeth properly. To prevent plaque build-up and the increased risk of tooth decay, try to keep these foods to a minimum and protect your child’s treatment and oral health.
Keep up a good oral care routine
Though it can be easy for children to slip out of their normal routine over the summer holidays, maintaining good oral hygiene is a must throughout their treatment. Don’t let your child forget to take their essentials if they’re spending the night away and encourage them to brush at least twice a day, and rinse their mouth after eating.
Maintain regular check-ups
With all the fun activities planned, you may be rushed for time when scheduling check-ups so try to take them to the orthodontist early on or before you go on holiday. This way it won’t get put off and you can reward them for a good appointment.
If you’re considering braces for your child, or would like more advice about looking after them, you can speak to the expert team at Oldham Orthodontics by calling 0161 6220987, emailing info@oldhamorthodontics.co.uk, or contacting us here to book an appointment.