5 Summertime Care Tips for Braces

Now that summertime is just around the corner, there’s a lot to smile about! The warmer weather is a tell-tale sign of sunny days, fun with friends, and relaxation to come. However, it’s important that you don’t slack off on taking care of your braces while enjoying the season. Here are five tips from your Cumming, GA orthodontist to help keep your smile healthy, sunny, and straight this summer.

Tip #1: Keep Up Your Normal Routine

Just because your day-to-day life looks a lot different during the summertime doesn’t mean you can blow off your normal dental routine! Always brush your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. You should also floss at least once every day and give your teeth a quick brush after eating.

Tip #2: Mind Your Munching

As the weather heats up, many of us start reaching for our favorite sodas and ice cream. However, the last thing you need is a cavity to ruin your summertime fun! Keep and eye on your sugar intake and do everything you can to limit it. Try cooling down with sugar-free popsicles or adding fruit to a glass of water to make a refreshing and healthy beverage.

Tip #3: Make a Kit & Keep It with You

Whether you’re going on a trip or just to your friend’s house, summer is a great time for traveling. To be prepared to hit the road at any moment, create a simple braces care kit and keep it with you. Make sure it includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and orthodontic wax to keep your smile clean and comfortable wherever you are.

Tip #4: Remember Your “Don’ts”

Summer is a great time to visit the movie theater, host a backyard barbeque, and go on picnics. As you enjoy these fun activities, be sure to keep in mind what you need to avoid. Don’t choose snacks like popcorn, sticky candies, corn on the cob, energy drinks, or others that can easily damage or break your braces.

Tip #5: Don’t Forget to Schedule Your Checkups

Even though summer gives us a chance to relax, it can get pretty busy! With all the vacations, road trips, parties, and camps to go to, it can be easy for your orthodontic checkup to get put on the back burner. Before you dive into all your activities, schedule your appointment in the beginning of summer. This way, you can make sure your braces are in good shape for all the fun times ahead of you!

If you don’t take care of your braces this summer, your smile could end up worse for wear by fall. Use these simple tips to keep your orthodontic treatment on track as you enjoy this relaxing time of year.

About the Author

Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan has been helping the smiles of Cumming, GA stay happy and healthy since 2012. She earned her dental doctorate, Orthodontic Certification, and Master’s in Biomedical Science from Temple University. As an active member of associations like the Georgia Society of Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontics, she stays current on all the newest dental technology and techniques like Damon braces and InBrace Invisible Orthodontics. To make sure your braces are ready for summer, feel free to reach her via her website or at (678) 879-3006.