If you enjoy remaining active during the summer, then you may forget to care for your braces, and this can lead to oral health issues along with damaging your braces. Here are some tips from Dr. RJ at RJ Orthodontics in Austin, Texas to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy throughout the summer.

Tip 1: Bring Along Your Dental Care Supplies While Traveling

While you are packing your suitcase for a family vacation or summer camp, make sure to prepare a dental care bag that includes the supplies for caring for your braces. Remember to have these items in your suitcase:

• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Dental floss
• Fluoridated toothpaste
• Dental Wax
• Pain relievers
• Small mirror

If you are away from home for several weeks, then you may need to replenish these supplies occasionally.

Tip 2: Maintain an Oral Hygiene Routine

When you are having fun during the summer, you may change your daily routine by sleeping at odd hours. However, you should maintain your recommended oral hygiene routine by making sure to brush and floss when you wake up and before you go to bed. It is a good idea to carry a small toothbrush, dental floss and a tiny tube of toothpaste with you while you are visiting restaurants or county fairs so that you can keep your teeth and braces clean.

Tip 3: Protect Your Lips This Summer

If your facial lips hurt, then it will make it difficult to care for your braces and your teeth. Make sure to apply a soothing lip balm that contains ingredients that will block the sun’s ultraviolet rays. You will need to use this lip balm throughout the day. In addition, make sure to drink more water than you do in the winter to keep the sensitive skin on your lips hydrated properly.

Tip 4: Remember Your Recommended Dietary Plan

When you had braces placed on your teeth, you should be mindful of foods that you should eat along with a list of foods that you shouldn’t eat. Remember that if you chew fibrous or hard foods, then you are more likely to dislodge a bracket or break a wire. When you choose to have a snack at a carnival or local community pool, make sure to look for treats that aren’t sticky. Summer is the perfect time to learn how to cook soft but healthy foods such as stir-fry dishes. After eating a snack, rinse your mouth with water or use the toothbrush and toothpaste in your traveling kit to care for your teeth and braces.

Tip 5: Wear Your Customized Mouth Guard

If you are playing sports or riding a scooter, you should protect your teeth and braces with your customized mouth guard. RJ Orthodontics can create a mold of your mouth to made mouth guards that will fit over your top and bottom teeth. Bring these items with you to camp or a vacation, and if the items degrade, then contact your orthodontist to have new ones made as soon as possible.

Tip 6: Avoid Sugary Beverages

During the summer, you will see sugary beverages offered at every restaurant and summertime event. Drinks that contain high levels of sugar are bad for your teeth, gums and braces. Soft drinks or energy beverages often contain artificial dyes, preservatives or other additives that have no nutritional value and that can erode the metal or ceramic materials of your braces.

Contact Us Today

To learn more about caring for your teeth and braces throughout the summer, contact RJ Orthodontics at 512-363-5792.  If you are interested in learning more about braces or Invisalign, we encourage you to schedule a free Orthodontic Consultation. We serve the Orthodontic needs of Steiner Ranch and Northwest Austin.