How to look after your children’s teeth and braces while travelling
Holidays offer a welcome escape from the daily routine; a time to relax, explore new destinations and indulge in well-earned pleasures. But if your child wears fixed braces, their oral hygiene routine still deserves a place in the suitcase.
Maintaining excellent oral health while travelling doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and the right tools, your child can enjoy their holiday without compromising their smile or their orthodontic progress.
Before you leave, take a moment to assemble a dedicated travel kit for your child’s braces. A compact case containing an orthodontic toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, interdental brushes or floss threaders, and a small mirror will go a long way in maintaining daily care, even on the move. Don’t forget orthodontic wax, which can be a lifesaver if a bracket or wire causes irritation, especially when you’re far from home.
It’s also wise to include a retainer case if your child is using any removable appliances. If you’re flying, keep the kit in hand luggage so it’s easily accessible during the journey. Dry cabin air and long flights can make the mouth feel uncomfortable, and a quick brush or rinse mid-flight can make all the difference.
Holidays inevitably shift daily rhythms; late dinners, long excursions, and spontaneous plans become part of the charm. But amid the change, it’s important to maintain your child’s regular oral hygiene habits. Encourage them to brush twice daily, or ideally after meals, using gentle circular motions around each bracket and along the gumline.
If brushing immediately after eating isn’t possible, perhaps during a boat trip or beach picnic, encourage a thorough rinse with water. It’s a simple step that can help reduce plaque build-up and maintain freshness until a proper clean is possible.
Exploring new cuisines and enjoying special treats is one of the pleasures of travel, and children shouldn’t feel they’re missing out. However, a little discretion goes a long way. Hard, sticky, or overly chewy foods can dislodge brackets or bend wires, leading to discomfort or delays in treatment.
Encourage your child to be cautious with dried fruits like dates or figs, which may seem like wholesome alternatives to confectionery but are rich in natural sugars and prone to getting caught around brackets. Similarly, artisanal granola, crusty sourdough, or nuts, while nutritious, can pose a risk to braces.
Gentler options such as soft cheeses, ripe fruits, grilled vegetables, rice dishes, and pasta are safer choices, and still allow your child to enjoy a range of sophisticated meals while looking after their smile.
Minor orthodontic issues while travelling are rare, but it’s reassuring to be prepared. A loose bracket or protruding wire doesn’t need to spoil your plans. Orthodontic wax can be used to cover sharp edges and reduce discomfort. Keeping our contact details handy allows you to seek advice from the Clinic if needed.
Good habits don’t have to feel like a burden. Choosing a beautifully designed travel toothbrush, a luxury mini toiletry case, or even a small speaker for playing a favourite two-minute song can turn daily brushing into something familiar and enjoyable. Framing oral care as an extension of self-care helps your child approach it not as a chore, but as part of their overall wellbeing, especially when they’re away from home.
Keeping braces clean and teeth healthy on holiday is ultimately about consistency, not perfection. With a little foresight and the right approach, your child can enjoy their time away while staying on track with their treatment.
They’ll return home with not just happy memories, but a smile that’s one step closer to the beautiful result you and they are looking forward to.
