Wearing Braces in Summer: How to Handle Travel, Pool Days & Barbecues

Summer’s here, and that means vacations, beach days, cookouts, and endless fun in the sun. But if you’re wearing braces, you might be wondering: how do I keep my smile on track while still enjoying everything summer has to offer?

Good news—braces don’t have to hold you back. With a little planning and a few smart habits, you can tackle travel, pool parties, and grilled feasts without missing a beat in your orthodontic journey.

Travelling with Braces: Be Ready for Anything

Whether you’re road-tripping across provinces or flying out for a tropical escape, travelling with braces takes a bit of forethought. Here’s how to stay prepared:

Pack a Brace Kit

Your travel bag should include:

• Orthodontic wax (for poking wires)
• Travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss threaders or a water flosser
• Compact mirror
• Extra elastics (if you use them)
• Over-the-counter pain relief (in case of sore teeth)

Keeping these essentials on hand means you won’t be scrambling if something goes wrong.

Eat Smart on the Road

Avoid sticky snacks like taffy or gum, and steer clear of hard foods like popcorn or nuts that can break brackets. Instead, go for soft options—smoothies, pasta, bananas, yogurt, or grilled veggies are all safe and satisfying.

Watch for Emergencies

If a bracket pops off or a wire comes loose while you’re away, contact your orthodontist’s office to ask what to do. Most minor issues can wait until you get back, but it’s good to know your options.

Pool Days and Braces: What to Know

Braces won’t stop you from swimming or relaxing poolside—but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Protect Your Mouth During Sports

If your pool day includes volleyball, water polo, or roughhousing with friends, wear a mouthguard. Braces can cut the inside of your lips if you take a hit. A boil-and-bite mouthguard from the drugstore can offer decent protection.

Stay Hydrated

Chlorine and the sun can dry out your mouth, which can lead to plaque buildup. Keep a refillable water bottle with you and sip often. Water also helps rinse away sugars and acids from poolside snacks and drinks.

Rinse After Swimming

Swimming in chlorinated pools occasionally is fine, but too much exposure can weaken tooth enamel over time. Rinse your mouth with clean water after every swim session to help neutralize chemicals.

Barbecues and Braces: Eat Without Worry

Summer cookouts are full of tempting treats, but not all of them are braces-friendly. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself—just follow a few simple guidelines.

Avoid the Hard Stuff

Steer clear of:

• Corn on the cob (cut it off the cob instead)
• Ribs or meat on the bone (pull meat off and cut it into bite-sized pieces)
• Crunchy chips and pretzels
• Hard rolls or crusty bread

These foods can damage your brackets or bend wires.

Embrace Braces-Friendly Foods

You can still load up your plate with delicious choices like:

• Potato salad
• Mac and cheese
• Grilled fish or chicken (boneless and soft)
• Soft fruits like watermelon, berries, and peaches
• Ice cream and popsicles (bonus: they can help with soreness!)

The main thing is, you can still eat with braces.

Clean Up Right After

Sticky sauces and sugary desserts can linger on your braces. Brush your teeth after meals—or at least rinse your mouth with water if you can’t brush right away.

Managing Soreness in the Summer Heat

Some people experience a bit more sensitivity during summer, especially with frequent adjustments or new appliances. Here’s how to stay comfortable:

• Soothe sore spots with cold drinks, ice packs, or popsicles.
• Stick to soft foods on days when your mouth feels tender.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if discomfort lasts more than a day or two.
• Don’t skip appointments—even in the middle of a busy summer. Staying on schedule keeps your treatment moving forward.

Stay Consistent with Your Routine

Summer means a break from school and a change in routines. That can make it easy to forget about brushing, flossing, and using rubber bands. But skipping these steps slows down your progress.

To stay on track:

• Set reminders on your phone.
• Keep your braces kit in your beach bag or backpack.
• Create a mini routine that fits your summer schedule—whether you’re camping, travelling, or just staying up late.

Final Thoughts: Braces Shouldn’t Ruin Summer

Wearing braces during summer doesn’t mean you have to sit out of the fun. With a little planning and the right habits, you can enjoy everything the season has to offer—without derailing your progress.

If you’re not sure about something—like which foods are safe, what to do during travel, or how to handle a minor issue—just reach out to your orthodontist. It’s better to ask than guess.

Ready for a Worry-Free Smile?

If you’re spending your summer in or around Las Vegas and need expert guidance on managing braces—whether you’re new to them or midway through treatment—Aloha Orthodontics is here to help. Our team offers top-tier orthodontics in Las Vegas, and we’re known for our personalized care and commitment to patient comfort. If you’re looking for an experienced orthodontist in Las Vegas before your next vacation, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Enjoy your summer, smile widely, and let nothing hold you back!