Bend, Oregon is a beautiful place for outdoor adventures, and if you’ve recently gotten braces put on, it might feel like your adventures may be short-lived. Not to worry! With the proper care, your braces can stay safe and sound, and you can enjoy all that the city has to offer. In this article, we’ll cover some important things you should know to keep your braces secure while you explore everything Bend has to offer.
When Should I Avoid an Outdoor Adventure?
There are some specific outdoor activities that you should avoid altogether while wearing braces. For example, contact sports like football, basketball, and soccer can be dangers to your braces. Additionally, extreme sports like skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, and dirt biking could pose a risk. If you’re heading out to participate in any of these activities or any other that could potentially be hazardous to your braces, then it may be best to postpone your trip or just find an alternative outdoor activity that’s safer.
How Can I Keep my Braces Safe While Exploring Bend?
Before heading out to enjoy Bend’s outdoor beauty, here are some things you should do to ensure that your braces stay secure.
Brush and floss more regularly:
Food and drink can get caught in your braces. When you’re out exploring, it’s good to be extra vigilant about brushing and flossing regularly. This can help to keep food and harmful bacteria away from your braces, thus reducing the risk of cavities and other dental complications.
Use a mouthguard:
Whether you’re going for a hike, biking, or exploring the ski slopes in Central Oregon, a mouthguard is a must-have! Mouthguards can provide protection against any parentheses or sports equipment that could harm your braces.
Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods:
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods should be avoided while exploring. Steer clear of foods that could dislodge your braces or become stuck in them. Soft, easy-to-chew foods like fruit, yogurt, sandwiches, and pasta can be great alternatives.
Have a brace survival kit:
Keep a small, portable brace survival kit with you. This can include items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, dental wax, and dental floss threaders. It’s always better to be prepared if you need to clean your braces or fix something quickly while you’re out and about.
What Should I do in the Event of a Brace Malfunction While Exploring Bend?
If you’re exploring and your brace starts to malfunction, it’s important to remain calm. The first thing you should do is clean the affected area. Once it’s clean, take a look at the situation and try to determine if it’s something you can fix yourself. If so, use your dental wax, a case of something to help you line up your broken brace or wires. If you’re unable to fix the issue and it’s causing pain or discomfort, then it may be time to contact your orthodontist or another dental professional.
Safety First!
Remember to always put your safety first when exploring Bend. While braces may require a little bit more care, they should not stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. With some extra precautions, your braces will stay safe and allow you to explore Bend to your heart’s content.