Summer is just around the corner, which for some families means sending your pre-teen or teen away for summer camp. Whether your child is going away for one week or all summer, Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontics is here to make sure your camper is prepared to maintain their braces, Invisalign aligners, and retainers.
Be sure your camper understands what an orthodontic or dental emergency is, and where they should go for help. This would usually be a camp counselor or the camp’s nurse, who can help with comfort issues or can reach out in the event of an emergency situation.
Examples of Emergencies:
- Pokey wire
- Loose bracket or band
- Lost retainer
An orthodontic care kit is a great way to prepare your camper while they’re away!
What to pack
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Fluoride mouthwash
- Orthodontic wax (if needed)
- Retainer cases (if needed)
- Mouthguard
If your child wears a retainer, pack two retainer cases and label them with your child’s name and contact number, in the event the case is lost or misplaced it can be returned.
We highly recommend wearing a mouthguard during contact sports or camp games with potential for mouth injuries (think football, basketball, softball, baseball, volleyball – really any sport with a ball). We offer complimentary mouthguards for Graber & Gyllenhaal Orthodontic patients – stop by and pick one up or ask us at your child’s next visit. Avoid purchasing boil-and-bite over-the-counter mouthguard, as these can damage appliances, or pull off braces and Invisalign attachments.
The same diet restrictions at home also apply to at camp, so avoid hard, sticky, crunchy foods (gum, gummy candy, raw carrots, apples, caramel, corn on the cob, popcorn, etc.) to prevent broken brackets, pokey wires, and cracked retainers.
If your camper loses a retainer or aligner, or needs more elastics, please have the camper reach out! We can often mail extra elastics, extra retainer cases and mouthguards to camp.
The most important thing while your camper is away is for them to HAVE FUN!! And maintain good dental health, of course. Brush at least twice a day and floss once per day.
Whether you are looking to start treatment before school starts in the fall or would like a check-up when you are back in town, call or text today to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
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