10 Must-Have Tools for Your Braces Survival Kit

Traditional metal braces are a reliable way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile, but they require a bit of extra care. Whether you have food stuck in your braces after dinner with a friend or you’re dealing with a poking wire while at the office, you need to be prepared to handle a variety of situations on the go. Make sure you have everything you need at a moment’s notice by making your own orthodontic kit with all the right supplies! Here are 10 essential tools that need to be in your braces survival kit.

1.) Toothbrush

A quick brush after every meal will clean away bits of food stuck in your braces and lower your risk of bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.

2.) Floss

Waxed floss, a floss threader, interdental brush, or orthodontic flosser are all excellent for removing debris that can’t be dislodged by your toothbrush.

3.) Dental Wax

Dental or orthodontic wax is a tried-and-true way to cover sharp spots in your smile and help ease irritation in the soft tissues.

4.) Over-the-Counter Pain Relivers

Any means of straightening teeth is bound to cause some dental discomfort. It’s a good idea to keep OTC pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Tylenol on hand to ease soreness if needed.

5.) Mouthwash

Not only will a quick rinse with mouthwash clear away food particles and kill bacteria, but it will help freshen your breath as well!

6.) Gauze

Keep some clean gauze in your kit just in case you need to treat a cut or sore caused by your braces. Hopefully you won’t encounter this situation, but it’s always best to be prepared.

7.) Lip Balm

Chapped or dried out lips are common with braces. To ease discomfort and encourage healing, keep lip balm in your kit. Ideally, it should have an SPF of 15 or higher and contain ingredients like shea butter or beeswax.

8.) Compact Mirror

A compact mirror will let you investigate sore spots, stuck debris, or areas that just don’t feel right to see what’s going on.

9.) Water Bottle

Drinking water throughout the day offers a wide variety of benefits, several of which pertain to your oral health. Sipping water will lower your risk of cavities and clear away harmful particles hiding in your braces, all while keeping you hydrated!

10.) Your Orthodontist’s Contact Information

Perhaps one of the most important items in your braces survival kit is your orthodontist’s contact information. Whether on a piece of paper in your kit or saved in your phone’s contacts, it’s essential that you have their number on hand so you can reach them in an emergency.

About the Practice

The talented team of Wigal orthodontics offers a wide variety of services for the smiles of Heath, Mt. Vernon, and the surrounding communities, including traditional braces. Every patient gets a 100% personalized treatment plan suited to accommodate their unique needs and goals. What’s more, their talented, experienced, and fun-loving team will be with you every step of the way to make sure your treatment is as smooth and pleasant as possible! To learn more about life with braces, they can be contacted on their website or at (740) 397-2111.