Are you exploring the idea of braces in Bend, Oregon and wondering what it’s like to juggle the demands of braces with the demands of an outdoor lifestyle? Well, let’s see if we can make it a little easier!
Bend is a truly amazing place, full of beauty and outdoor activities, and as such, it can be a bit daunting to try to keep up with your braces in such an active city. But fear not; with a little bit of pre-planning, you too can enjoy Bend’s outdoor lifestyle to the fullest while still taking good care of your braces.
This guide will show you step by step the best way to care for your braces while having the best time in Bend! But before we get started, just a quick reminder that the best way to take care of your braces is to follow your orthodontist’s instructions. Here are some tips and tools you can use to keep your braces in great shape!
Take Extra Care While Eating and Drinking
One of the most important things to remember while living in Bend with braces is to be extra careful with your eating and drinking habits. As Bend is home to many an outdoor activity, it can be very easy to get caught up in the moment and forget the consequences of not taking good care of your braces. All it takes to do some serious damage is one wrong move!
To avoid an emergency trip to the orthodontist, it’s a good idea to steer clear of foods and drinks that are known to cause difficulty or damage braces.
Sugary drinks such as sodas and sports drinks, sticky or chewy candies such as caramel and licorice, and hard crusted breads are all a big no-no. Cold drinks or foods and spicy or crunchy snacks should also be eaten with caution, especially if your braces were recently tightened.
If the food is dubiously hard, crunchy or sticky, take a pass. The health of your braces and ultimately your teeth are far more important than anything you may be craving!
Brush and Floss Regularly
Another important way to keep your braces in tip-top shape while living in Bend is to make sure you brush and floss your teeth regularly. With the added challenge of braces, it’s especially important to be extra diligent about keeping bacteria from growing.
A good rule of thumb is to brush your teeth and braces once in the morning and once in the evening, followed by flossing your teeth. The best way to make sure everything is clean is by using an interdental brush, which can help clean between the brackets and wires.
It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that braces often trap food particles, so it’s important to brush and floss shortly after eating vs. waiting an extended amount of time before attending to your teeth.
Use Wax
While both brushing and flossing regularly are of utmost importance, having a contingency plan in place is also a good idea. That’s where dental wax comes in to save the day; dental wax or silicone can help ease any sore spots caused by the braces rubbing against the skin.
In Bend’s outdoor lifestyle it can be hard to remember to pack all the necessary dental care items, so it’s a good idea to carry around a small amount of dental wax in your pocket. If you feel a sore spot coming on, demurely excuse yourself to the bathroom and you’re ready to go in no time.
Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly
And last but not least, remember to keep up with your regularly scheduled orthodontist appointments. Not only will your orthodontist ensure your braces are working properly, but they can also help to guide you in keeping your braces in the best possible shape for your outdoor adventures.
Caring for your braces in Bend’s outdoor lifestyle can be challenging, but not impossible. With the appropriate tools and a little forethought, you too can enjoy Bend’s many outdoor activities to the fullest while still taking care of your braces. Just remember to brush and floss regularly, take care with what you eat and drink, keep an eye on sore spots with dental wax, and remember to visit your orthodontist regularly. With a little determination and these tips, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way!