Undergoing orthodontic treatment can be daunting, especially if you’re not entirely sure what to expect throughout the process. Getting braces can change your day-to-day life in small ways, but when you’re prepared, you can minimize any inconveniences your treatment may present. Read on to learn about five important items to include in your braces survival kit.
Never Forget a Water Bottle
Throughout your traditional braces treatment, it’ll be important to do what you can to keep oral health problems like cavities from developing, because this could set back your treatment timeline. One simple way to do this is by always keeping a water bottle on you whenever you leave your house. Water helps rinse away food debris and increase saliva flow, which neutralizes enamel-eroding acids in your mouth.
Invest in a Travel Toothbrush
While you have metal braces, it’s important to brush your teeth after each meal and snack to make sure that food debris doesn’t linger in your mouth and attract harmful oral bacteria. If you don’t, it could lead to gum disease or other common oral health problems forming. By carrying a travel toothbrush with you, you’ll be able to easily store and whip it out whenever you need to, even if you’re not at home.
Flossers That Are Made Especially for Braces
Just like brushing, flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral hygiene while you have braces on. If using regular dental floss is too hard with braces, another on-the-go option is Orthopicks, or special dental flossing picks made to navigate around metal brackets and wires.
A Small, Compact Mirror to Brush On-the-Go
If you don’t have access to a restroom or place to brush your teeth, but you need to, a compact mirror is an excellent item to keep in your braces survival kit. It can let you see if there’s any debris stuck in your braces that you missed when brushing or flossing. You can also always use your phone camera on selfie mode!
Convenient Travel-Sized Toothpaste
Last but not least, a travel-sized tube of toothpaste is an absolute necessity to include in your kit. Be sure to choose a brand of toothpaste that has fluoride in it and is approved by the ADA!
Having braces can take some getting used to, but when you go into the process feeling prepared, adjusting to your new orthodontic appliance can be a lot easier. Before you get your braces, make a survival kit that includes all of these items (and some more that your dentist may recommend, like orthodontic wax) to help your treatment go by smoothly and without complications.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji is a passionate dentist with over 10 years of experience. He always takes continuing education courses and specialized training to provide his patients with comprehensive dentistry under one roof, including traditional orthodontics and Invisalign. To learn more about braces or to schedule a consultation, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur’s website or call 972-546-4114.