As a student, you’re likely excited about the upcoming spring break season. After all, you need a break from your studies to have fun with friends and recharge. However, while taking a vacation from school is all well and good, you cant take a break from caring for your braces. Even just a few days without flossing, brushing, and cleaning out your braces can set you back in your oral health. You don’t want to come home from Mexico with a cavity or broken bracket, right?
Here are some tips to consider before heading out on spring break.
- Book your dental cleaning appointment and your orthodontic treatment BEFORE you leave. This way your teeth will be cleaned and your braces adjusted so you don’t have to worry about them. Any problems or potential issues can be addressed by your own orthodontist for your ultimate comfort. Facing an emergency visit to an orthodontist you don’t know in your destination can be an overwhelming prospect you don’t want to have to deal with.
- Pack plenty of water or plan to buy some when you arrive. If you’re eating on the go and don’t have a way to brush your teeth afterwards, you can at least swish your mouth out with the water. If headed to a country, such as Mexico, where the tap water is questionable at best, brush with bottled water too, even if you don’t swallow.
- Bring the essentials. In a small pouch, bring everything you need to keep up your routine while away: small tube of toothpaste, toothbrush with protective covering, mouthwash, dental sticks, floss, water pick if you use one, and wax in case a wire comes loose and pokes your gums or the side of your mouth. It’s a good idea to bring this pouch with you on the plane in case your luggage gets lost. You can’t afford to be without those essentials for a couple nights or more.
- Eat right. We know it’s spring break, but just be careful of what you’re eating and drinking. Nix the soda, juice, hard candies, gummy snacks, popcorn, and gum. Use mouthwash or mints to freshen breath. The more you avoid these snacks, the less chance of having a braces emergency while on vacation.
- Know the name of an orthodontist in your destination and keep the number handy just in case. If you experience such an emergency, such as a broken bracket, you can call them for a comfort visit. For a small fee, you can get the problem addressed so it won’t cause you lasting issues through your vacation. Just don’t forget to visit your regular orthodontist for a follow-up as soon as you get home.
Have fun on spring break but keep those teeth healthy and braces functioning well! Need more advice or want to schedule your pre-vacation check-up? Call Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser today.
