The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying festive foods and for some, embarking on long-awaited trips. If you are wearing braces or clear aligners, maintaining a healthy smile while traveling does not need to be stressful. With a little planning and some smart strategies, you can keep your orthodontic treatment on track and ensure your smile remains happy.
Pack a Travel-Ready Oral Care Kit
Before you hit the road, prepare a travel-friendly oral care kit. Include essentials such as a travel-sized toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss of choice and an interdental brush. If you wear clear aligners, do not forget your aligner case and cleaning solution. For braces, orthodontic wax for any potential irritation is a must. Keeping these items easily accessible can help you stay consistent with your oral hygiene routine on the go.
Stick to a Consistent Cleaning Schedule
No matter where your holiday adventures take you, maintaining your regular oral care routine is crucial. Brush your teeth after every meal, ensuring you clean around brackets and wires if you have braces. For clear aligners, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in to avoid trapping stray food particles. If brushing is not immediately possible, rinsing your mouth with water is a helpful temporary solution.
Be Mindful of Festive Holiday Treats
The holidays bring an array of tempting treats, but some can pose challenges for those in orthodontic treatment. If you wear braces, avoid sticky or hard candies, popcorn and crunchy nuts that can damage vital brackets and wires. Opt for softer choices like mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables or small pieces of turkey. For aligner wearers, remember to remove your aligners before eating and thoroughly clean your teeth before reinserting them.
Stay Hydrated
Did you know that traveling, especially during holiday celebrations can lead to dehydration, which can impact your oral health? Not to mention that drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away lingering food particles and bacteria, keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Staying hydrated is especially important for aligner wearers, as it can prevent aligners from feeling dry or uncomfortable in your mouth.
Keep Emergency Supplies on Hand
Even with the best preparation, orthodontic issues can arise while traveling. If you wear braces, pack a small amount of orthodontic wax to address any irritation caused by loose brackets or wires. Clear aligner users should bring their previous and next sets of aligners in case of loss or damage. Having these extra items on hand can minimize stress and help you manage minor problems until you can see our orthodontist.
Maintain Your Wear Time
For those wearing clear aligners, maintaining the recommended wear time—typically 20 to 22 hours a day—is essential. Holiday activities can make it tempting to leave your aligners out for extended periods, but this can also delay your treatment. Set reminders if needed, and prioritize wearing your aligners as directed for optimal progress.
Schedule a Post-Holiday Check-Up
Once your holiday travels are over, schedule a check-up with our orthodontist to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned. We can address any concerns and make adjustments if necessary.
Happy Holidays!
With a bit of preparation and diligence, you can enjoy anticipated holiday travels while keeping your smile healthy and your orthodontic treatment on track. By sticking to your routine and making mindful choices, you are one step closer to achieving the smile of your dreams and making your orthodontic treatment a success. From our orthodontic family to yours, we wish you happy travels throughout this festive season!