With the summer season starting, you can finally enjoy time by the pool, attend summer camp, and go on a family vacation.  Summer brings the warmer weather, tasty food and treats, and endless fun that we all enjoy!

At King Orthodontics, we are excited about summer and wanted to provide you with a guide to help you enjoy your summer while taking care of your braces and oral care. From avoiding certain foods to preparing ahead of time, there are a variety of measures you can take to ensure your braces and oral health are maintained throughout the summer.

Plan Ahead and Stick to Your Routine

When packing for summer camp or a family vacation to the beach, it is important to remember to pack all the essentials you need to care for your braces. If you plan to have an active summer playing sports or jumping around in the pool, you should wear a mouthguard to keep your teeth and braces safe.

Neglecting to care for your braces can lead to a variety of dental issues and may even result in prolonged wear of your braces. To best prepare for vacation or summer camp, it is important to put together an oral care kit to ensure you have all the tools needed to maintain your oral health and braces. Items we recommend include:

  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpick or floss picks
  • Floss
  • Orthodontic wax to prevent wire discomfort
  • Small mirror to check your braces and teeth
  • Travel size mouthwash
  • Extra plastic aligner tray

In case of an emergency or an accident with your braces, be sure to have the contact information for the orthodontic offices near where you will be visiting. If you can’t visit an orthodontic office during your trip, be sure to schedule an appointment with King Orthodontics as soon as possible to have the issue fixed to avoid further problems.

Foods to Watch out for at Summer CookoutsSummer Time and Your Braces

Summer is the season of cookouts and fresh juicy watermelon. To properly care for your braces and avoid damages to your teeth, wires, or brackets, there are certain summer treats you should avoid, such as:

  • Sticky/Hard foods or candies
  • Corn on the cob
  • Popcorn
  • Hard pretzels

Instead of these foods, try fresh fruits such as apples, pears or other harder fruits that have been cut into smaller wedges and stay hydrated to keep food particles off of your gums, teeth, and braces. It is also essential to limit the number of sugary foods and treats and to brush and floss after enjoying these foods to avoid cavities and other issues.

Schedule a Checkup at King Orthodontics

Before your vacation or trip to summer camp, it is essential to pay a visit to King Orthodontics to have a checkup to make sure your braces are ready for all the summer fun and activities you have planned.

We will check to see if your wiring or brackets require any adjustments or replacement and will also perform cleaning if needed. Regular checkups help to ensure your orthodontic treatment is on track and can help prevent you from having to wear your braces for an extended time.
Don’t let your oral care and braces weigh down the fun of your summer adventures, contact King Orthodontics today to schedule an exam!