A girl with braces is smiling.

Summer Tips For Wearing Braces

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The long-awaited summer season may be here, but don’t take a vacation from caring for your braces! While school is in session, a daily routine is almost second nature; but summer vacation for many means sleeping in and staying up later causing the ‘normal’ oral hygiene routine to suffer. Neglecting your brushing and flossing regimen can have a negative impact on your oral health. 

During the summer, outdoor activities, sports and barbecues can create potential hazards to your orthodontic health if not properly maintained. Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates has prepared a helpful list to ensure that you are still taking care of your teeth while having fun this summer:

 

  • Consider a mouthguard for sporting activities. Wearing braces can increase the risk of injury to your mouth. By wearing a properly fitted mouthguard, the teeth will be protected from any potential injury.
  • Avoid biting into the traditional outdoor barbecue treats, such as corn on the cob. As tempting as it is, it can cause damage to the wires or pop off a bracket. That doesn’t mean you have to forego your favorite side dish. You may just have to improvise the way you eat the corn, by cutting the kernels from the cob. 
  • Create a new routine and keep it consistent! Your schedule may be disrupted on summer break, but that doesn’t keep plaque from building up on your teeth. Plaque can begin to form around the brackets causing decay and eventually gum disease. Keep flossers handy and continue to brush twice a day using a fluoride mouthrinse. 
  • Don’t forget to pack for your braces when leaving for vacation. Be sure to include extra rubber bands, a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and orthodontic wax. 

 

Even by following all of these guidelines, it is still possible to experience some type of orthodontic emergency. In those cases, be sure to contact our office for an appointment so that our dentists and orthodontic specialists can treat the problem. No matter what problems arise, our team is dedicated to providing you with the best dental care in Montgomery and Bucks County. 

Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates is a full-service dental practice, including orthodontics serving families in Harleysville and Souderton. For more information on our practice, visit www.gotta-smile.com or call 215-486-1649 or 215-486-1652.