With the weather heating up and June just around the corner, summer is nearly here! If you recently started orthodontic treatment, then you may be wondering if you are going to miss out on all of the fun in the sun. Fortunately, the answer is “no.” Here’s everything you need to know if it’s your first time having braces during the summer.
Enjoy Summer Treats in Moderation
Mouth-puckering lemonade, refreshing sodas, and creamy ice cream are all treats that make summer complete. Unfortunately, they aren’t great for your teeth. Since even a small cavity can cause you to fall off-track with your treatment plan, it’s important to indulge in moderation. When you do, make sure to drink plenty of water and brush your teeth as soon as you can.
You Can Play Sports – Just Wear a Mouthguard!
From volleyball on the beach to pick-up games of soccer at the park, the warmer weather gives you the opportunity to be active outside. After all, what’s better than working on your physical health while getting a beautiful tan? Don’t worry – braces won’t stop you from participating in sports. Just make sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your afternoon of fun from turning into an emergency trip to your dentist’s office.
Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Summer is a time to relax and unwind. While unplugging from your daily routine is certainly part of that, it’s important to continue prioritizing your oral hygiene regimen. Habits like brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential to preventing oral health concerns, like cavities. Plus, if you haven’t scheduled your first dental checkup and cleaning of the year, now is the perfect time to do so!
Don’t Forget SPF!
Your skin needs protection, even when you’re just driving around town in your car. So, apply SPF daily. Buying a lip balm with SPF is crucial too since it helps lower your risk of developing oral cancer. To ensure you always have some close by, keep one at home, in your car, and in your bag.
Pack Your Dental Care Staples for Trips
Summer is the perfect time to take a trip to the beach, go on a nice road trip, or jet-set off to a tropical destination. If heading out of town is on your itinerary, then double and triple-check that you’ve packed all of your dental care staples, including your toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. It’s also a good idea to include some dental emergency essentials too, like a pain-reliever and a small case to hold a tooth or restoration.
Summer is a time to soak up some sun and enjoy the great outdoors. Luckily, braces won’t stand in your way! Keeping the above information in mind will help you experience all this season has to offer while on your journey to a straighter smile.
About the Practice
Dr. Jamie Moon and the rest of our team here at Super Braces of Southbridge are dedicated to helping patients with misaligned teeth achieve beautiful smiles. Since treatments can take 12+ months to complete, it’s likely that you’ll experience all of the seasons throughout your teeth-straightening journey. That’s why we prioritize patient education – we want you to enjoy your life to the fullest in the process! If you have a question about life with braces or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 909-6719.