Orthodontists stress the importance of brushing and flossing after every meal, including lunch, even when you’re on the go. Good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment to protect your teeth and ensure the best results. Situations inevitably come up when you need to freshen up, so do your teeth a favor and be prepared. Stash portable items in a backpack, purse, school locker, or briefcase. You’ll be rewarded with a healthy and beautiful smile when treatment wraps up.
In this article, expert orthodontists from AAO offer advice on what to include in your tooth-cleaning travel kit. Here are six must-haves for cleaning teeth on the go.
Tooth-Cleaning Essentials At a Glance
These are the six essential items you need to effectively take care of your teeth and braces on the go:
- Clean Water
- A Toothbrush
- Interproximal Brush
- Dental Floss
- A Mirror/Pocket Mirror
- Toothpaste
1. Water
When brushing isn’t an option, rinsing with water is a simple way to protect your teeth. After eating or drinking sugary or acidic beverages, swishing with plain water helps remove food particles and reduce acidity that can lead to tooth decay. While not a replacement for brushing, rinsing is a helpful step to maintain oral health during the day.
2. A Toothbrush
This one should be a no-brainer. Your toothbrush is the VIP of your oral care tool kit. Even without toothpaste, brushing removes food and plaque and will help you keep your teeth healthy. A travel toothbrush takes up about half the space of a regular toothbrush. But if you prefer a full-sized toothbrush, we won’t argue with you.
3. An Interproximal Brush
Remember how we said braces have a lot of nooks and crannies for nasty stuff to hide out in? This means brushing is a bit more difficult for people with braces. The interproximal brush fixes that. It’s small, very easy to carry along, and can help you brush all those hard-to-reach places so plaque and food have nowhere to hide. Use it to get at food that’s stuck around brackets, between the archwire and teeth, and in between teeth.
4. Floss
Flossing is essential during orthodontic treatment to remove food and plaque between teeth, under the gumline, and around braces. Use a floss threader or pre-threaded floss to clean around the archwire and tight spaces. For aligner wearers, flossers may be an easier option. Regular flossing helps prevent gum issues and keeps your breath fresh.
5. A Mirror
A pocket mirror is a convenient tool for checking your teeth after brushing, especially when you’re not near a bathroom. It helps spot leftover food or missed spots. Compact and portable, it’s ideal for a travel dental kit. A phone’s selfie camera works as a quick alternative in a pinch.
6. Toothpaste
As we’ve said before, making sure you brush your teeth after every meal is important. Brushing using toothpaste is the most ideal method of ensuring your teeth, gums, and orthodontic appliances are clean. The fluoride in most brands of toothpaste helps to strengthen the enamel and helps combat the effects of plaque. Luckily, travel-sized toothpaste tubes are convenient and easy to get from most major retailers.
Other On-The-Go Oral Hygiene Tools
The six items listed above are the essentials for your on-the-go teeth cleaning kit, but it’s by no means an exhaustive list. Consider these other nice-to-haves when packing your travel bag.
Orthodontic Wax
Sometimes braces can cause discomfort if they rub against a sensitive area inside your mouth. Orthodontic wax acts as a barrier to keep your orthodontic appliances from irritating your mouth. It pays to be prepared in case your braces start bothering you.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers
While this is a great addition to your toothbrushing travel kit, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of keeping these somewhere on your person. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used in a pinch to reduce swelling from bracket and archwire irritation. But they can also be used if you suddenly find yourself with a headache. OTC pain relievers should be part of any day bag you pack.
Visit an AAO Orthodontist for On-The-Go Teeth Cleaning Advice
Want to know what to pack in your on-the-go teeth cleaning kit? Schedule an appointment with your nearest AAO orthodontist! Not only do our orthodontists give great advice, but they can help you get your hands on interproximal brushes, orthodontic wax, and floss. Use the Find an Orthodontist tool to find your nearest AAO practice today!
