With spring break times drawing to a close, it won’t be long before the kids are out for summer. And for many families, that means one thing: vacation time! When planning for your family vacation, we would like to remind our families of patients with braces what to do to best prepare for any potential orthodontic emergencies.
Of course, the best preparation for an orthodontic emergency is avoiding them altogether. So, we suggest keeping an eye out for these potential hazards when you’re out on vacation:
- Sticky and/or chewy foods
- Whole and tough skinned fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots (best to slice before eating)
- Corn on the Cob
- Hard candies, nuts, breads and pastries
Also, be sure to bring the following items with you on your travels:
- A toothpick, interdental cleaners, and flosspicks
- Orthodontic wax
- A small mirror for examining inside the mouth
- Travel toothbrush
- Mouth rinse
Even when trying to avoid problems, orthodontic emergencies do happen. But don’t let knocked off brackets and broken/bent wires get in the way of your vacation. In the event your child does encounter an orthodontic emergency while on vacation, you will still likely be close to an orthodontist in your area. Simply check online and most orthodontist are willing to lend a helping hand if one is needed. Or, feel free to call Dr. Mike at 813-264-6000 for instructions on what to do.
