The summer holiday season is here as we all look forward to a fortnight in the sunshine and the chance to take a well-earned break!
But for those wearing Dental Braces this can be a worrying time, with many patients unsure about going away whilst undergoing tooth straightening treatment and concerned about encountering difficulties with their braces when abroad or too far away from their regular dentist.
To put your mind at rest, here we list five top tips dental brace wearers should consider before a holiday that will help you to enjoy the experience and avoid any unwanted issues.
Don’t forget your toothbrush!
One of the most important things for brace wearers to do whilst on holiday is to maintain a high level of oral hygiene. This means making room in your suitcase for all of your day to day essentials - including toothbrushes, toothpaste, interdental picks or floss and even mouthwash!
Make sure to eat the right foods
Although you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a range of interesting dishes whilst on your holiday, remember to be careful about what you choose from the menu. Chewy, sticky or hard foods should always be avoided in favour of softer alternatives, along with any dish that has lots of pips or seeds.
Avoid problematic holiday activities
From paragliding to bungee-jumping there are a host of holiday activities to be enjoyed, but you may have to be content with enjoying a swim or a jog whilst you have braces fitted. Avoiding high-impact activities can prevent unfortunate oral injuries that may leave you requiring dental treatment.
Be prepared
If you have experienced issues with your braces in the run-up to your holiday or feel anxious about difficulties occurring, it can help to be prepared. Make sure you know where the local dentist or dental hospital is in relation to your hotel, just in case there is an emergency.
Make sure to have Insurance
If the worst-case scenario happens and you require urgent treatment to your braces abroad, make sure to have suitable insurance cover in place. This will reduce the temptation to wait until you get home to seek treatment and can also save you a very expensive dental bill.
Get in touch
If you would like to find out more about the benefits of dental braces and how to look after them, please contact the team here at Dulwich Orthodontics today on 020 8265 9797.