Tips For Camping With Braces

25 October 2016
Categories: Dentist, Blog

Braces are often little more than inconvenience, which is a small price to pay for straighter and healthier teeth. Occasionally the minor inconvenience can seem major, though, such as if you are planning an extended camping trip. The following tips can help you manage your braces properly when you are away from civilization.

Tip #1: Plan your menu accordingly

Proper trail or camp food is a must. For example, Snickers and many other sticky candy bars are a high-calorie preference for many hikers and backpackers but a no-no if you are wearing braces. Instead, opt for less chewy energy or granola bars. You will need to check that every item on the menu is a good option for braces by following many of the same rules that you would at home – avoid hard and sticky food items, and instead opt for softer, easier to chew to foods.

Tip #2: Keep up with hygiene

There's no reason to skip the toothbrush and toothpaste while camping. The issue is with flossing. Many people that wear braces use a water pick or similar to device to help clean between their teeth and the brackets. This generally won't be an option when you are camping. Instead, invest in a package of the small pick-style brushes made for those in braces. You can carefully insert these between your teeth and use them to clean out food that is stuck to the braces. Although not as thorough as a pick, they will suffice for a few days in the woods. Just make sure to pack them out and to dispose of them properly.

Tip #3: Upgrade your first aid kit

Prepare for minor brace emergencies by adding dental wax to your first aid kit. Even if your current braces aren't bothering you, the wax can come in handy if you need to smooth over a broken wire or a dislodged bracket while you are camping. You may also want to trade in your Swiss army knife for a small multitool with wire clippers. This way if a wire does break, you have a method of snipping it off before spreading dental wax over the cut end. Finally, toss in some oral numbing gel in case you get any irritation pain, along with extra rubber bands for your braces.

If you have more concerns about managing your braces while camping or out on the trail, talk to your dentist to get more advice.

About Me

When I was a child and teenager, I always left the dentist's office with the great feeling of having no cavities. When I went away to college out-of-state, I had to switch to a new dentist in my area. It seemed like I was suddenly getting cavities and started wonder what my new dentist "was doing wrong". When I spoke to my mother about it, she reminded me that the reason I never had cavities when I was living it home was because she always made sure my siblings and I brushed and flossed daily and didn't eat too much sugar. I then realized that my late-night study sessions drinking sugary soda and my suddenly bad brushing habits were the true causes of my cavities. I have since learned a lot more about dental health I am eager to share with anyone who needs the advice!