Summer is right around the corner, and your teen is ready to enjoy all the freedom and fun the season is willing to deliver. Even though there is a great break from school and responsibilities, there is one thing that can’t be slacked on – taking care of braces. Here is a summer survival guide for kids who have braces, appliances, or Invisalign Teen.
I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream
The summer months are hot, and one of the best things to take the edge of are frozen treats. From ice cream to custard, popsicles to frozen ice, everyone has at least one freezer sweet they love to eat. Thankfully, most of these goodies are friendly to braces hardware. And, if you wear Invisalign, all you need to do is remove your trays to dig in and enjoy.
Just be careful when your teen’s summer cravings lean toward hard candy, chewy taffy, corn on the cob, and crunchy festival treats. You don’t want anything to get stuck between the braces, snap a wire or bracket, or stain aligners. Encourage your child to stick to the soft fruits and friendlier sweets. Make sure they brush and floss carefully after indulging and drink lots of water to keep food particles out of the way.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
If your teen plays summer sports, make sure he or she has a mouthguard to act as a cushion and protect their mouth and hardware from damage. A blow to the mouth would not only damage the braces, it could lead to severe tissue injuries if the brackets or wires scrape against lips and gums.
Better to get a customized orthodontic mouthguard made of high-grade silicone to keep teeth and braces safe and make sure summer sports stay fun.
Stick to Your Summer Routine
Your young braces-wearer will likely have different sleep and wake times than they do through the school year and maybe even shifting mealtimes. Vacations, day trips, activities, and time with friends can get in the way of a typical braces-cleaning routine.
If you want to make sure your teen’s teeth stay healthy and orthodontics remain in good condition, help them establish a new dental hygiene routine that works around their summer schedule so they can stick to it. Brush at least twice a day, more if possible – ideally, after every meal. Floss at least once a day. Clean hardware with the instruments your orthodontist has recommended and clean Invisalign Teen aligners as instructed.
Pack Your Bag
Whether you are headed for a friendly sleepover, week at the beach, weekend at grandma’s, or sleepaway camp, make sure your teen has their braces essentials with them. Work together to pack an oral hygiene kit that has all the necessary items to maintain oral health and manage any little problems that may creep up while away, including: toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, floss threaders, dental picks orthodontic wax, mouthwash, and a case for your trays (for Invisalign wearers or retainer wearers).
If you have any questions or concerns about the summer ahead and how your teen can manage their orthodontics during travel and activities, contact Dr. Soleil Roberts or schedule an appointment at Soleil Orthodontics in Woodinville, WA.