The hot summer months are here, but the fun isn’t over yet. It’s time for summer camp!
Summer activities, such as camping excursions, are fun and relaxing and typically include tasty treats too! On the other hand, watching over your oral care needs while on summer vacation may require a little more planning.
Here’s how to be prepared while still having a good time on every camping trip.
Before The Trip
Make a dental cleaning appointment before sending children to that two-week summer camp. Make sure their teeth and existing dental work are in good shape before traveling away from home.
Things to Send With the Kids
As you’re packing their things, it’s a good idea to create a separate dental care pack filled with everything they need to keep their teeth in great shape.
Here are some of the most common dental supplies your kids might need at camp:
Orthodontic Wax
If your child has braces or wears clear aligners, there may be some rough edges that could scratch the inside of their cheeks or lip. In such cases, having orthodontic wax to protect these places may be beneficial on any camping trip. Once you get back from camp, contact our orthodontist to have those irritating wires checked out.
Dental Floss
Remind your child how important it is to floss every day. Brushing removes most visible food particles from their mouth, but it won’t clean between their teeth. Be sure they have the right flossing tools, especially if they’re in braces.
Interproximal Brush
When kids don’t have access to the powered toothbrushes or water flossers you have at home, interdental brushes (“proxy brushes”) are an excellent idea. An interdental cleaner is a little brushing device that can be inserted underneath their orthodontic wires next to their brackets to remove plaque. It’s like a little pipe cleaner attached to the end of a handle.
Over-the-Counter Mouthguard
A large number of athletic injuries involve the lips and face. Summer injuries at camp can lead to serious dental emergencies. Wearing an over-the-counter protective mouthguard during athletic activities and summer adventures can lower your child’s chances of breaking a tooth. For kids in braces, a mouthguard can also prevent any cuts or scrapes inside their mouth if they fall or get bumped during that game of dodgeball or water balloon fight.
Fluoride Mouthwash
Fluoride mouthwash is excellent for reducing the risk of cavities and other concerns such as sensitivity. However, they need to wait at least 30 minutes after rinsing with fluoride before eating or drinking. That seems like a long time during the day. It’s not a problem if they use it shortly before bed!
Call Us Today
If you’re ready to schedule your child’s pre-camping checkup or have questions about sending them to camp, feel free to call our Kyle office today. Dr. Taylor & Dr. Hill and the compassionate staff at The Village Orthodontics are here to help in any way we can.
