Braces on the Go: How to Keep Your Child’s Orthodontic Care on Track During Vacation

Caring for Braces on Vacation

Vacation is meant to be a time for fun and relaxation, but your child’s orthodontic care doesn’t get to take any time off. Your child’s oral health is always important, and whether they have traditional metal braces or are using clear aligners to help straighten their smile, your child’s orthodontic devices need to be taken care of daily. If you are planning on taking some time away from home, Vancouver’s Must Love Kid Pediatric Dentistry has some tips to help keep your child’s orthodontic care on track while you are on the go.

Pack an orthodontic travel kit.

The best way to be prepared for any issue is to plan ahead. And, the same goes for your child’s orthodontic care. If you are planning on being away from home, packing an orthodontic travel kit with all your child’s orthodontic needs is important. If your child has traditional braces, make sure you have orthodontic wax, floss threaders, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a mirror, and extra elastics on hand. If your child has clear aligners, make sure they have their aligner case, cleaning crystals or tablets, their toothbrush and toothpaste, and extra aligners if they are due to change them while on vacation.

Keeping an orthodontic travel kit with your child when they are away from home is a way to ensure they are prepared if something should happen.

Stick to the routine.

Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you can stray from your oral health routine. Remember to brush and floss teeth after every meal when possible to help keep teeth clear of debris and food particles from getting stuck in braces. If your child is wearing aligners, make sure they are still wearing them the majority of the day. Aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for them to work properly and straighten your child’s teeth on time. It’s easy to keep good habits if you are sticking to healthy routines!

Snack smart.

It can sometimes be difficult to avoid unhealthy food while on vacation, but there are certain items that someone who is wearing braces should avoid. Any food item that is hard, sticky, and chewy, like caramel, corn on the cob, and chewing gum, should be avoided. These types of food can get caught on orthodontic appliances and cause damage. People who wear braces should already be aware of these guidelines.

For individuals who are wearing clear aligners, the same instructions for aligners need to be followed on vacation. This includes removing aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water.

Must Love Kids recommends that travelers pack their own snacks, just in case. We recommend bringing soft foods that are easy to eat and, of course, bringing plenty of water to help you stay hydrated while on vacation.

Know what to do if there’s an issue.

Accidents can happen, and we understand. Sometimes a piece of orthodontic equipment can break, and if that happens, it’s good to have a plan.

For children who are wearing braces, many minor issues, like a loose wire, can wait to be fixed until you are back from vacation. For simple repairs, such as if a wire comes loose, orthodontic wax can often serve as a temporary fix. However, if you have a major issue with your braces, keep your orthodontist’s number handy so you can give them a call if needed. They will often be able to tell you if you will need to find a local orthodontist to get a quick fix, or if something can wait.

If your child is wearing clear aligners, you may run into the issue of them cracking or being misplaced. If one of those things happens, give Must Love Kids a call, and we can let you know the next step you should take. Sometimes, your child can move on to the next aligner a little early without any complications.

Prior planning prevents negative outcomes.

If you and your children are planning on getting away for the holidays, one of the things on your packing list should be an orthodontic travel kit. It includes everything your child may need while you’re away. With a little prior planning, you and your child can make sure their teeth are still taken care of while away from home. And if you need any help, Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Vancouver, Washington, is here to help you prepare for your getaway so you can have a worry-free break!