Summer in North Carolina is a time for sunshine, family adventures, and making lifelong memories. Whether you’re heading to the lake, exploring local parks, or enjoying backyard barbecues, it’s important not to take a break from your orthodontic care. At Wilson Orthodontics, with offices in Oxford and Durham, Dr. Mike Wilson and our experienced team are here to help you keep your smile healthy, your braces or aligners in top shape, and your treatment on track—all while enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Table of Contents
Why Summer Is a Critical Time for Orthodontic Care
Summer Foods: What to Enjoy and What to Avoid
Traveling with Braces or Aligners: Tips for Success
Summer Sports and Braces: Staying Safe and Active
Oral Hygiene on the Go: Keeping Your Smile Bright
Managing Orthodontic Emergencies During Summer
Braces-Friendly Summer Activities
Scheduling and Attending Your Summer Appointments
The Importance of Hydration and Oral Health
Building Healthy Habits for Lifelong Smiles
FAQs: Summer Orthodontic Care
About Wilson Orthodontics & How to Reach Us
1. Why Summer Is a Critical Time for Orthodontic Care
Routine Disruption
Summer brings a break from the usual school-year routine. With late nights, sleepovers, and spontaneous plans, it’s easy to let oral hygiene slip. Dr. Wilson emphasizes that sticking to your brushing, flossing, and aligner/braces care routine is essential for keeping your treatment on track.
Dietary Temptations
Summer is full of tempting treats—ice cream, popcorn at the movies, sticky candies at the fair. Many of these can damage braces or make aligner care difficult. Knowing what to avoid and what to enjoy is half the battle.
Travel and Outdoor Activities
More time away from home means new challenges for oral hygiene. Whether you’re camping, road-tripping, or just spending time outdoors, it’s important to plan ahead for your orthodontic needs.
The Wilson Orthodontics Perspective
We see more emergency visits in the summer due to broken brackets, lost aligners, and forgotten appointments. That’s why we’ve created this guide—to help you avoid the most common pitfalls and keep your treatment on track.
2. Summer Foods: What to Enjoy and What to Avoid
Braces-Friendly Foods
Summer brings a bounty of delicious, braces-safe foods. Here are some favorites:
Soft Fruits: Watermelon, berries, bananas, peaches, and nectarines are gentle on braces.
Yogurt and Smoothies: Cool, creamy, and easy to customize with your favorite fruits.
Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms are soft and flavorful.
Pasta Salads: Skip the crunchy toppings and enjoy soft pasta with veggies and dressing.
Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt: Enjoy in moderation, and avoid hard mix-ins like nuts or candy.
Foods to Avoid
Some summer staples can wreak havoc on your braces or aligners:
Sticky Candies: Caramel, taffy, and gummy candies can pull off brackets and wires.
Popcorn: Kernels can get stuck and damage appliances.
Corn on the Cob: Cut the kernels off before eating.
Hard Ice Cubes and Crunchy Snacks: Don’t chew ice or hard chips.
Sugary Drinks: Soda and sweet teas can increase the risk of cavities, especially if oral hygiene slips.
Tips for Healthy Choices
Plan Ahead: Bring braces-friendly snacks to parties and outings.
Stay Hydrated: Water is the best choice for your teeth and overall health.
Rinse After Eating: If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth with water.
Braces-Safe Summer Recipes
Berry Smoothie: Blend berries, banana, yogurt, and a splash of milk.
Grilled Veggie Skewers: Thread soft veggies onto skewers and grill until tender.
Frozen Yogurt Bark: Spread yogurt on a tray, top with soft fruit, freeze, and break into pieces.
3. Traveling with Braces or Aligners: Tips for Success
Packing Essentials
Before you hit the road, make sure you have everything you need:
Orthodontic wax
Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
Floss threaders or orthodontic flossers
Small bottle of mouthwash
Aligner case (if using Invisalign or similar)
Extra elastics (if prescribed)
Interdental brushes
On-the-Go Hygiene
Brush and Floss After Every Meal: Even when you’re away from home.
Use Bottled Water: If you’re camping or traveling, use bottled water for rinsing and brushing.
Keep Aligners Safe: Always store them in their case when not in use.
Emergencies on the Road
Lost Aligner: Move to the next in your series if you’re close to the scheduled change; otherwise, wear the previous one and call us for advice.
Broken Bracket or Wire: Use wax to cover sharp edges and call Wilson Orthodontics as soon as possible.
International Travel
Contact Information: Keep our phone numbers handy in case you need to reach us from afar.
Virtual Consultations: Ask about telehealth options if you’ll be away for an extended period.
4. Summer Sports and Braces: Staying Safe and Active
The Importance of Mouthguards
Sports are a big part of summer, but they can be risky for orthodontic patients. A custom-fitted mouthguard is essential for:
Soccer
Basketball
Baseball
Skateboarding
Mountain biking
Choosing the Right Mouthguard
Custom Mouthguards: Best fit and protection, available through our office.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Available at sporting goods stores, but may not fit as well with braces.
Tips for Active Kids and Teens
Don’t Skip the Mouthguard: Even non-contact sports can result in falls or collisions.
Check for Damage: Inspect your braces and mouthguard after each game.
Swimming and Water Activities
Chlorine and Oral Health: Rinse your mouth after swimming in chlorinated pools.
Lost Aligners: Never leave aligners by the pool; always use a case.
5. Oral Hygiene on the Go: Keeping Your Smile Bright
Daily Routine
Brush at Least Twice a Day: Three times is even better during orthodontic treatment.
Floss Daily: Use floss threaders or orthodontic flossers.
Use Mouthwash: An antimicrobial rinse can help reduce plaque.
Dealing with Sticky Situations
After S’mores or Ice Cream: Rinse your mouth and brush as soon as possible.
Portable Kits: Keep a small kit in your bag or car.
Recommended Products
Electric Toothbrush: More effective at removing plaque.
Interdental Brushes: Great for cleaning around brackets and wires.
Fluoride Toothpaste: Strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
6. Managing Orthodontic Emergencies During Summer
Common Issues
Loose Wires or Brackets: Use wax to cover sharp edges and call us.
Lost or Broken Retainers/Aligners: Contact us ASAP for replacements.
Soreness or Ulcers: Saltwater rinses and wax can provide relief.
First Aid Tips
Orthodontic Wax: Cover any irritating areas.
Saltwater Rinse: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with soreness.
When to Call Wilson Orthodontics
If you experience significant pain, bleeding, or have a broken appliance, call us right away. We offer emergency appointments at both our Oxford and Durham locations.
7. Braces-Friendly Summer Activities
Braces-Friendly Activities
Pool Parties: Just remember to keep aligners in a safe case.
Movie Nights: Choose soft snacks like cheese, yogurt, or smoothies.
Arts and Crafts: A great way to stay busy and creative indoors.
Picnics: Pack braces-safe foods and enjoy the outdoors.
Staying Social
Confidence with Braces: Remember, many people have braces—smile proudly!
Braces-Safe Selfies: Practice your best smile and show off your progress.
Building Healthy Habits
Make oral hygiene a fun family activity—set reminders and reward consistency.
8. Scheduling and Attending Your Summer Appointments
Flexible Scheduling
We know summer can be busy! Wilson Orthodontics offers flexible appointment times to fit your summer plans. Early morning and late afternoon slots are available.
Why Appointments Matter
Adjustments: Keeping your appointments ensures your treatment stays on track.
Monitoring Progress: We can catch and fix issues before they become bigger problems.
Virtual Consultations
If you’re traveling or away for an extended period, ask about our virtual check-in options.
How to Reschedule
If you need to change your appointment, call us as soon as possible so we can find a time that works for you.
9. The Importance of Hydration and Oral Health
Why Hydration Matters
Saliva Production: Staying hydrated helps maintain saliva, which protects your teeth.
Rinsing Away Food Debris: Water helps flush away sugars and acids.
Best Drinks for Summer
Water: Always the best choice.
Milk: Good for teeth, but brush after flavored varieties.
Avoid: Soda, sports drinks, and sweet teas.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
Carry a reusable water bottle.
Add slices of fruit for natural flavor.
Set reminders to drink water throughout the day.
10. Building Healthy Habits for Lifelong Smiles
Summer as a Time for Growth
Use the extra time in summer to build habits that will last a lifetime:
Daily Brushing and Flossing: Make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Healthy Eating: Choose snacks that are good for your teeth and body.
Regular Dental Visits: Don’t skip your regular cleanings.
Parental Tips
Set Reminders: Use phone alarms or sticky notes.
Make It Fun: Use colorful toothbrushes or create a reward chart.
For Teens
Stay Motivated: Remember your end goal—a beautiful, healthy smile!
Share Your Journey: Connect with others on social media or in person.
11. FAQs: Summer Orthodontic Care
Can I swim with braces or aligners?
Yes! Just be sure to wear a mouthguard for sports and keep aligners in their case when not in use.
What if I miss an appointment?
Call us as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing appointments can delay your treatment.
How do I handle discomfort while traveling?
Use orthodontic wax, saltwater rinses, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Contact us if the issue persists.
Are there any summer foods I should absolutely avoid?
Sticky candies, popcorn, and hard snacks should be avoided. When in doubt, ask us!
Can I have ice cream with braces?
Yes, but avoid hard mix-ins and brush after enjoying your treat.
12. About Wilson Orthodontics & How to Reach Us
At Wilson Orthodontics, Dr. Mike Wilson and our dedicated team provide expert orthodontic care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re managing braces during summer or starting your orthodontic journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today:
Oxford Office:
912 College Street
Oxford, NC 27565
Phone: (919) 690-8100
Durham Office:
2900 Croasdaile Dr. Suite 3
Durham, NC 27705
Phone: (919) 383-7423
Website: https://wilson-ortho.com/
Conclusion
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy life and make lasting memories. With the right care and precautions, you can protect your orthodontic appliances and keep your smile healthy throughout the season. If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment, Wilson Orthodontics is here to help you smile confidently all summer long.