Summer break brings exciting adventures, family vacations, and outdoor activities. If you or your child are wearing braces, proper braces care becomes even more crucial during busy summer months as it’s easy for your routine to slip. This summer survival guide will help you keep your smile healthy, your braces safe, and your orthodontic treatment right on track.
Traveling with Braces
Traveling with braces is easy when you prepare before you leave. Before you go, schedule a quick check-up with your orthodontist to make sure everything is secure and functioning properly. This is also the perfect time to stock up on supplies and ask any last-minute questions, like what to do if you have a broken bracket or wire. Knowing what to do can save you from stress and discomfort during your trip.
When packing, include extra rubber bands, orthodontic wax, a travel-sized fluoride rinse, and flossers. Bring more than you think you’ll need—it’s always better to have too much than run out. Look up braces-friendly restaurants before you go. Keep safe snacks on hand, and plan ahead if you’re traveling internationally where options may be limited.
Pack Your Summer Braces Care Kit
Imagine you’re halfway through a day at the beach, enjoying snacks with friends, when a seed gets stuck between your braces—or a wire starts poking your cheek. Without a braces care kit, you’re left uncomfortable, distracted, and counting the minutes until you can get home. With a well-stocked kit, you can maintain proper hygiene, fix minor irritations right away, and get back to enjoying your summer without missing a beat.
Essential Items for Your Kit
Cleaning Tools
- Soft-bristled toothbrush designed for braces
- Backup toothbrush
- Interdental brush or proxy brush
- Fluoride toothpaste
Emergency Supplies
- Orthodontic wax (for immediate relief from poking wires )
- Dental floss or floss threaders
- Small mirror
- Travel-sized antibacterial mouthwash
- Pain relievers
Pro tip: These braces hygiene tips ensure you have everything needed for thorough cleaning anywhere you go.
Braces-Friendly Summer Snacks to Enjoy
Summer treats don’t have to be off-limits when you have braces. With a little planning, you can enjoy refreshing snacks without risking a broken bracket or misaligned wires.
For cool and refreshing options, try sugar-free popsicles, frozen yogurt, smoothie bowls with soft fruits, or ice cream. Sugar-free popsicles can even help ease soreness after an orthodontic treatment.
Soft fruits are another great choice. Go for strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, or grapes. If you want apples or pears, cut them into small, bite-size pieces to protect your braces.
For a protein and calcium boost, enjoy cheese sticks, yogurt, milk-based smoothies, or soft pretzels. These snacks are gentle on braces, easy to pack, and will keep you satisfied between meals.
For a fun twist, try swapping out common summer snacks for braces-friendly alternatives. Instead of crunchy granola bars, opt for soft oatmeal bars or chewy banana bread. Trade caramel or nut toppings on ice cream for fresh fruit like strawberries or peaches. If you love popcorn at movie nights, go for puffed corn snacks that are light and airy but still satisfying. These simple swaps let you enjoy the flavors you love without risking a broken bracket or wire.
Avoid foods that can damage your braces, like corn on the cob (you can cut kernels off), hard chips, sticky candy, nuts, and other hard snacks. When in doubt, check out our Braces-Friendly Food Guide.
Braces Protection During Summer Sports
You’ll have to find protection designed for protecting your braces. A standard mouthguard won’t provide the same fit or protection. Your orthodontist can recommend an option that works whether you have traditional metal braces or ceramic braces. This extra layer helps protect both your braces and your mouth from injury.
Even a small hit to the mouth can bend wires, loosen brackets, or damage teeth, which may set your treatment back by weeks or even months. In some cases, repairs can also increase the overall cost of your orthodontic care. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard not only helps protect your smile, it also gives you the confidence to play your sport without worrying about accidental bumps or collisions.
Swimming is generally safe with braces. Just remember to rinse your mouth with clean water after swimming, and avoid diving or rough play in the water to reduce the risk of injury. For other activities, always carry a braces care kit. Keep extra orthodontic wax on hand, and swap out hard snacks like trail mix or nut-filled energy bars for softer options. Stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking water helps prevent dry mouth, which can lead to bacteria growth and other oral health issues.
Maintaining Excellent Oral Health All Summer
Summer schedules can throw off your routine, but consistency is the key to keeping your braces in good shape. Brush after every meal and floss daily, no matter how busy you are. If you can’t brush right away, rinse with water and brush as soon as possible.
Staying disciplined now will pay off later. Consistent oral care keeps your treatment on track and helps you avoid delays. As summer winds down, start getting back into your regular routine to make the transition to the school year smoother.
Want to know exactly why these habits matter? Check out our guide on Why Oral Health is Important to see how daily care protects your teeth, gums, and braces while helping you get the best results from your orthodontic treatment.
Even with summer schedule changes, it’s important to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine. You can adjust the timing if needed, but try to stay consistent every day. As the season wraps up, start preparing for back-to-school success by checking out our Back to School with Braces guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I clean my braces during summer activities?
Brush after every meal and snack to remove food particles and plaque that can easily get trapped in your braces. If you leave debris behind, it can lead to staining, cavities, or gum irritation, which may slow down your treatment. If you can’t brush right away, rinse with water to wash away sugars and acids, then brush thoroughly as soon as possible to keep your teeth and braces clean and healthy.
Q: Can I swim with braces?
Yes, swimming is safe with braces. Always rinse with clean water after swimming to remove pool chemicals. Avoid rough water activities that could cause facial injuries or result in a broken bracket.
Q: What should I do if a bracket comes loose during vacation?
Contact your orthodontist immediately. Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges and avoid hard/sticky foods. Most emergencies can wait until you return home, but severe pain requires immediate attention.
Keep Up Your Summer Braces Care
Summer with braces doesn’t mean missing out on fun adventures or favorite treats. With proper care, smart planning, and the right upkeep, you can enjoy every moment while keeping your treatment on track for the perfect smile.
For personalized advice about braces care or to schedule your next appointment, contact Bean Orthodontics today. Our team supports your orthodontic journey every step of the way.
