On the Go for the Holidays? How to Care for Braces While Traveling
The holiday season brings excitement, family reunions, and frequently, journeys near and far. Whether you’re flying across states to see loved ones or embarking on a winter getaway, an orthodontic mishap shouldn’t disrupt your festivities. At Marston Orthodontics in the Bloomfield community, Dr. Marston knows that preserving your braces routine during trips requires planning. With smart preparation and these practical suggestions, you’ll maintain your treatment progress wherever your seasonal travels lead you.
Essential Packing for Your Journey
Before departing, create a complete travel collection with all necessary supplies for braces. Include your toothbrush, fluoride paste, specialized floss, proxy brushes, and protective wax. Add a compact mirror for quick checks and a travel-sized rinse. If rubber bands are part of your regimen, bring backup supplies along with any additional prescribed items. Dr. Marston suggests storing these essentials in your carry-on bag for constant availability, particularly during extended flights or car rides when dental hygiene can’t be postponed.
Smart Choices at Holiday Tables
Seasonal feasts define the holidays, yet they pose unique concerns for those wearing braces. Sticky sweets, hard shellfish, brittle cookies, and chewy confections risk damaging your orthodontic hardware. When dining away from home, exercise caution with your selections. Pick gentler options like smooth potatoes, soft proteins, warm casseroles, and treats such as custards or moist cakes. When uncertain about a dish’s safety, choose the conservative approach. The professionals at Marston Orthodontics want your celebrations unmarred by bracket repairs or urgent visits.
Consistent Hygiene Practices
Travel inevitably disrupts daily patterns, but your dental care deserves unwavering attention. Clean your teeth following each meal, even if this means stepping away during family dinners or taking your kit into public facilities. When immediate brushing proves impossible, swish water vigorously to clear debris. Patients in San Diego recognize that Dr. Marston stresses reliability in orthodontic maintenance, which becomes particularly vital when you’re traveling and possibly consuming extra holiday indulgences.
Emergency Readiness
Though uncommon, orthodontic complications can arise unexpectedly. Prior to departure, consult Marston Orthodontics about managing typical problems like loosened hardware, sharp wires, or misplaced elastics. Protective wax offers temporary relief for irritating edges, while standard pain medication helps until professional assistance becomes available. Store the practice’s contact details in your mobile device, and identify emergency orthodontic providers at your destination who can offer interim solutions when distance separates you from your regular care team.
Beverage Wisdom
Holiday journeys involve considerable time in vehicles or aircraft, tempting travelers toward sugary sodas or seasonal hot drinks. These beverages accelerate plaque accumulation around brackets. Water remains your optimal companion while traveling with braces, helping eliminate food remnants while preventing decay. Should you indulge in festive drinks, employ a straw when feasible and brush promptly afterward.
Strategic Scheduling
When organizing holiday trips, collaborate with our team to align appointments with your itinerary. If an adjustment falls near your travel window, Dr. Marston and staff can typically arrange alternative timing. Never postpone scheduled visits, as regular adjustments prove essential to your treatment success.
With thoughtful preparation, traveling with braces becomes manageable, allowing full enjoyment of your holiday adventures while advancing toward your smile goals. Safe travels from everyone at Marston Orthodontics!