July 25, 2024
Approximately 32% of Americans have had orthodontic treatments in their lifetime and 82% of patients said they were satisfied with the results. 42% were very satisfied.
Consistency is key if you want to see success from orthodontic treatments. That means careful, regular care, even in seasons of relaxation.
Read on to learn seven seasonal orthodontic tips for a healthy summer smile.
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Keep Up Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Summer is a time to relax and put many of your old routines to the side. Your oral hygiene routine is not one of them.
Brush twice a day for two minutes each time. Get the backs and fronts of each tooth, and don’t forget to brush your tongue. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it after a few months.
Floss every day. Get between the teeth and along the gumline to remove food particles and plaque. Interdental brushes or water flossers can also help get in between the spaces in your braces.
Use a fluoride mouthwash. It strengthens your tooth enamel and reduces the risk of cavities.
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Stay Hydrated and Eat Right
Drinking enough water does more than keep you cool. It’s important for your summer oral hygiene and overall health. It stops dry mouth, helps make saliva, and washes away food or plaque that could stick in braces or aligners.
Avoid sugary or acidic drinks such as soda or sports drinks. They can damage your teeth and braces. Try drinking milk or herbal tea if you want a bit of variety or don’t have water nearby.
Fight the temptation to eat sugary, hard, or sticky foods such as ice cream or popsicles. They could lead to plaque buildup or damage your orthodontics.
Look for healthier snack options such as:
- Soft fruits and vegetables
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Cheese
- Nuts and seeds
These snacks and drinks are safe for your orthodontic appliances and great for your overall health. They’ll give you the vitamins and minerals that you need to do everything you want to.
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Protect Your Teeth During Summer Activities
Summer opens up new activities. Following a few orthodontic care tips makes sure you can do them safely.
Protect your teeth during summer sports by wearing a mouthguard to prevent any dental injuries, and keep it clean to prevent bacterial growth.
Swimming is one of the most popular summer activities, but it also requires proper care and preparation. The chlorine in pools can affect your teeth or erode your enamel if you spend too much time in them.
Proper summer braces care can help prevent damage.
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Prepare for Travel
Are you thinking about taking any vacations this summer? You can take a few seasonal orthodontic tips on the road with you.
Pack an orthodontic care kit with you in your suitcase. It should include essentials such as your:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Floss and floss threaders
- Interdental brushes or picks
If you’re using clear aligners, don’t forget to bring them as well. Getting off schedule on vacation will only leave you with poor results.
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Prepare for Emergencies
One of the best braces maintenance tips is to expect orthodontic emergencies to happen. Loose brackets or wires and painful teeth are all too common.
Being prepared for these issues will limit your stress. You’ll be able to fix them faster with less risk of permanent damage.
Have a dental first-aid kit with you at all times and take one on your travels. It should include:
- Gauze
- Cold compresses
- Orthodontic wax
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
Many of these tools provide a temporary fix. The wax can help push a bracket back in place, and pain relievers can resolve a toothache.
Come see your trusted SouthShore orthodontists for any issue you can’t quickly resolve at home. Having our information on hand so you can reach us in an emergency can ease a lot of future headaches.
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Avoid Bad Habits
Tobacco use kills almost half of those who never quit. That’s approximately 8 million smokers and 13 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.
Using tobacco products wreaks havoc on anyone’s oral health especially those with orthodontics. This applies to e-cigarettes, vapes, and chewing tobacco. They all increase the risk of:
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Stains
- Bad breath
Make this summer the time you choose to quit. There are more resources available to help you now than ever.
There’s another bad habit that not everyone knows about: chewing on ice. It’s especially tempting to engage in during the summer. However, avoid chewing on ice cubes as they can crack or chip your teeth and damage your orthodontics.
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Schedule a Checkup
Scheduling regular checkups is essential for keeping your teeth clean and your orthodontics properly tightened.
Summer is one of the best times to schedule them. You can take advantage of the more open schedule the season provides.
Regular checkups with your orthodontists help to detect issues early. This prevents them from becoming dental emergencies that would require more expensive and time-intensive care.
They can also offer you personalized seasonal dental advice. They know your medical history and how to properly care for the types of braces you have.
Where to Get More Seasonal Orthodontic Tips
Many seasonal orthodontic tips for summer apply all year round. Keep up your normal oral hygiene routine and watch how much you indulge in seasonal treats.
Avoid bad habits like smoking or chewing ice. Always prepare for summer activities, travel, and emergencies.
Keep scheduling regular checkups. Our mission at SouthShore Orthodontics is to provide your family with exceptional results in a welcoming environment.
Our board-certified orthodontists Dr. Matt Ahrens and Dr. Mary Awadallah will give you customized and friendly care from your first to your last visit. Get a free consultation to become part of the SouthShore family today.