Your child’s spring break is fast approaching, which means you might be planning an exciting trip for the entire family! We understand how packing can be quite hectic—particularly with children. To make things slightly easier, simply follow this quick packing list of oral health necessities you’ll need while you’re on the road.
1. Your Child’s Retainer Case
One of the most common ways we find children lose their devices is by accidentally throwing them away after a meal. Therefore, whether your child has retainers or Invisalign, it is important that you don’t forget to pack their retainer case! To ensure your child’s orthodontic devices are safe while you’re on the road, keep their retainer case in a bag that you’ll always have with you—such as a carry-on or a purse. This way you’ll always have a place to keep their device safe whether you’re at the airport or on the road.
2. Travel Toothbrush and Case
So you and your children don’t fall out of your daily oral hygiene routine, don’t forget to pack your travel toothbrushes for the trip. You should also make sure that everyone has the appropriate travel case to keep their toothbrushes clean and germ-free. A travel case should have holes for ventilation and drainage, and it should be big enough to allow airflow. Otherwise, the toothbrush could become a breeding ground for bacteria, and the last thing you want is for a child to get sick while you’re on vacation!
3. On-the-Go Braces Care Kit
Metal braces can require a bit more care than, say, Invisalign. One of the easiest ways to make sure you’re child can take care of their braces while on vacation is to pack an on-the-go braces care kit! This would include items like floss, wax, mouth rinse, a small mirror and even a rinsing cup. You should also consider packing over-the-counter pain medication just in case.
4. Healthy Snacks
It seems that candy is in abundance at airports and gas stations. This can make it difficult to ensure your children are eating healthy foods while you’re on the road. Try to pack healthy snacks like carrots, celery, yogurt, cheese, and other teeth-friendly foods to help prevent cavities. If your child has braces, you may also want to consider bringing softer foods like certain fruits, since munching on candy, nuts, or chips could be damaging to their orthodontic device.
5. Reusable Water Bottle
Brushing your teeth after every meal is not always possible while you’re traveling. However, swishing water after your meals can help to remove harmful bacteria, acids, and debris from between your teeth and gums. By bringing a reusable water bottle, you can ensure that your children stay hydrated and can keep their teeth healthy throughout your vacation!
6. A Printout of Our Office Information
Just as you want to bring copies of your passport and health insurance, it is important to bring your dentist’s information with you wherever you go! This is particularly important if your children have orthodontic devices in place. Therefore, if anything occurs while you’re on the go, you can simply give our offices a call! We’ll help you determine the best course of action—whether that might mean seeking immediate treatment or simply waiting until you’re home to visit our offices.
Do you want to schedule a dental visit before you hit the road? Call Manus Dental in Lake Zurich, Hyde Park, or Yorkville today to set up your next appointment!