Bend, Oregon is a great place to be in the winter! With its world-renowned ski areas, it’s no wonder Bend is a mecca for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. But with all that wintery fun comes some orthodontic challenges too! If you’re in braces or other orthodontic appliances, then avoid damage to your braces and keep your teeth healthy and strong with some simple tips.
General Orthodontic Health Tips for Winter
When you’re playing winter sports in Bend, it’s important to be extra cautious when you have orthodontic appliances. Dr. Mike Schulze, a local orthodontist in Bend, Oregon, recommends some general tips for maintaining orthodontic health during winter activities.
Wear a Mouth Guard.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your braces and appliances while playing winter sports is to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards are worn on the upper teeth and braces and help reduce the severity of the impact on the face and mouth. It’s important to remember to get a mouth guard that is custom-fitted to your teeth by your orthodontist. Many sporting goods stores sell generic mouth guards that don’t fit properly and may not do the job as well as a custom mouth guard. In addition to a mouth guard, it’s also important to wear a helmet when you’re skiing or snowboarding, as well as when playing any winter sports.
Stay Hydrated.
During the winter months, it’s easy to forget drinking water because the cold weather doesn’t leave us feeling as parched as in the summer months. But it’s essential for orthodontic health to remember to stay hydrated. Dry mouth can lead to bad breath, cavities, and other dental problems. In order to avoid dry mouth and other dental problems, it’s important to drink plenty of water while playing winter sports.
Brush Regularly.
Brushing your teeth regularly with a fluoride toothpaste is always essential. When you’re playing sports and sweating, it’s even more important to brush your teeth to remove bacteria and prevent plaque from growing. This is especially important if you have orthodontic appliances. Braces and wires can make it easier for food particles and plaque to get stuck on your teeth and under the appliances. Dr. Schulze recommends brushing after every meal, if possible, to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Food and Drink Tips for Winter Sports
When playing winter sports in Bend, it’s important to keep in mind some tips for eating and drinking to avoid damaging your braces.
Avoid Sticky Foods.
When you have braces, sticky foods like caramel and taffy can get stuck in your appliances, making it hard to remove them. It’s best to avoid these types of foods when playing winter sports. In addition to carmels and taffy, also avoid sticky substances like gum and peanut butter.
Stay Away from Hard Foods.
Hard foods like nuts, ice, and hard candy can damage your orthodontic appliances. If you are going to consume hard foods, make sure to break them up into small pieces before eating so as not to damage your brackets or wires.
Brush After Consuming Sugary Foods and Drinks.
Sugary foods and drinks, like energy drinks and candy, can cause tooth decay and cavities if they’re left on the teeth. When you’re playing winter sports, it’s important to brush your teeth after consuming these types of foods and drinks. This will help to prevent damage to your teeth and orthodontic appliances.
Conclusion
Maintain your orthodontic health while playing winter sports in Bend, Oregon by following these simple tips. Wearing a mouth guard and a helmet, staying hydrated, and brushing regularly are essential for protecting your braces and appliances. In addition, be mindful of the foods and drinks you consume, and brush your teeth after consuming sugary substances. These simple steps will help keep your teeth strong and healthy while enjoying all that winter fun in Bend!