School’s out, the sun’s out, and summer fun is officially on. Whether your child is gearing up for sports camp, heading to the lake, or packing for a beach vacation, there’s no reason braces should slow them down. At Birmingham Orthodontics, we believe with a little planning and a few smart habits, your child can enjoy every summer moment while keeping their smile safe and treatment on track.

Game On: Braces and Sports Safety

Whether your child is diving into a pool or scoring goals on the field, it’s important to keep their smile protected. Sports-related injuries are one of the most common ways braces can get damaged. Even in sports that aren’t full contact, a collision, fall, or flying ball could cause cuts to the inside of the mouth or even damage the brackets and wires.

We strongly recommend wearing an orthodontic mouthguard during any contact or semi-contact sport. Unlike regular mouthguards, orthodontic mouthguards are specially designed to fit over braces. They’re flexible, comfortable, and provide an added layer of protection, helping to prevent injuries and avoid emergency visits.

Pro tip:  Keep a backup mouthguard in your child’s sports bag or backpack just in case!

Braces on the Go: Travel Essentials to Pack

If you’re planning a week at the beach or day at the park, summer trips are a time to relax and have fun. But when your child has braces, there are a few things you’ll want to bring along to make sure their care doesn’t take a vacation.

We recommend creating a Braces Travel Kit—a simple, portable pouch with all the essentials your child may need while you’re away from home. Here’s what to pack:

  • Travel toothbrush and toothpaste – Keep those brackets and wires clean after every snack and meal
  • Floss or floss picks – Daily flossing is a must, even when routines are off
  • Compact mirror – Perfect for quick checks after meals or adjusting bands
  • Orthodontic wax – A lifesaver for soothing poking wires or irritated spots
  • Extra rubber bands – If your child is in rubber band phase, bring more than you think you’ll need
  • Reusable water bottle – Staying hydrated keeps the mouth clean and comfortable

Pro tip:  Store everything in a small zippered pouch so it’s easy to toss in a backpack or carry-on.

Visit One of Our Five Locations

At Birmingham Orthodontics, we want every patient to enjoy their summer without worry. If you ever have questions or want tips for braces-friendly snacks and summer routines, our team is here to help. We’re committed to making orthodontic care as convenient and comfortable as possible, all year long.

With offices conveniently located throughout the Birmingham area, expert orthodontic care is never far from home. Come see our all-mom team in Birmingham, Hoover, Trussville, Alabaster, or Chelsea.

Summer break is the perfect time to start your child’s smile journey. Schedule a free consultation today and discover why Birmingham Orthodontics is trusted by families across our community. Visit bhamorthodontics.com to learn more.