Try though you might, you can never predict when you might experience an orthodontic emergency. For instance, you might get food stuck in your braces right before an important work meeting or school presentation and need help removing it. Or you might snap a wire, which can stab the tender tissues inside your mouth.
Although you can’t anticipate when you might experience problems with your traditional orthodontics, you can build a kit that contains everything you need so you’re prepared to handle whatever might occur. Continue reading to learn about 3 items that can be helpful to include!
Item #1: Travel-Sized Toothbrush & Toothpaste
If you’ve just enjoyed a meal in the cafeteria or noticed in the middle of the day that you’ve developed bad breath, you’re likely going to want to freshen up. Keeping your mouth clean is also essential for preventing common oral health concerns, such as cavities and gum disease, that can develop during your treatment.
Packing a small or collapsable toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in your ortho emergency kit ensures that you’ll be able to scrub your teeth whenever you feel it’s necessary. If you have difficulty navigating the bristles around the metal brackets and wires, you may also want to consider using specially designed interproximal brushes that can more easily reach your enamel.
Item #2: Bottled Water
Although it’s understandable to feel tempted by acidic or sugary drinks throughout the day, such as coffee, tea, fruit juice, or soda, these beverages can harm your smile. They attract bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acids that can cause cavities or injuries that can put your orthodontic treatment at risk.
Keeping bottled water with you can help you stay hydrated while avoiding common oral concerns. You might even include an extra bottle or two so you have enough water available to rinse your mouth out if you don’t have time to brush or if you’ve sustained an injury.
Item #3: Orthodontic Wax
If you happen to break a bracket or snap a wire when you’re out and about, the broken metallic components might cut the tender tissues inside your mouth or rub blisters into the backs of your lips. Not only is this incredibly uncomfortable, but germs in your mouth can infiltrate lacerations, resulting in infection.
One easy way to prevent this is by including orthodontic wax with your emergency supplies so you’ll always have some available. You can roll up a small amount and place it over the offending metal to smooth the sharp edges and corners for some much-needed relief.
Once you have gathered all the necessary supplies to build your very own survival kit, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ve taken proactive steps to protect your oral health!
Meet the Author
Dr. Ryan Bygness has decades of experience helping families in Denison improve their lives by enhancing their smiles. He graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and then earned his orthodontic certificate from the American Orthodontic Society. He offers a comprehensive menu of services, including traditional braces, to people of all ages, meeting even the most unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or call (712) 263-3252.