The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Teeth and Braces During the Summer Introduction

By: New Patient Group May 28, 2025

Summer in Hawaii is a season filled with sunshine, ocean breezes, and endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Whether you’re exploring the beaches of Kaneohe, Kailua Kona, or Kamuela, maintaining your orthodontic care during the summer months is essential to keep your smile healthy and your treatment on track. At Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics, we understand the unique challenges summer brings for patients with braces or clear aligners. This comprehensive guide will help you protect your smile, enjoy your summer adventures, and keep your orthodontic progress moving forward.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Summer Is a Critical Time for Orthodontic Care
  2. Summer Foods: What to Enjoy and What to Avoid
  3. Traveling with Braces or Aligners: Tips for Success
  4. Summer Sports and Braces: Staying Safe and Active
  5. Oral Hygiene on the Go: Keeping Your Smile Bright
  6. Managing Orthodontic Emergencies During Summer
  7. Fun Summer Activities That Are Braces-Friendly
  8. Scheduling and Attending Your Summer Appointments
  9. The Importance of Hydration and Oral Health
  10. Building Healthy Habits for Lifelong Smiles
  11. FAQs: Summer Orthodontic Care
  12. About Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics & How to Reach Us

1. Why Summer Is a Critical Time for Orthodontic Care

Summer often disrupts daily routines, which can impact your orthodontic care. With school out and more time spent outdoors or traveling, it’s easy to forget the consistent habits that keep your braces or aligners in excellent condition. Dr. Satya Nayak emphasizes that staying on top of your orthodontic care during summer is essential for achieving your best smile efficiently.

2. Summer Foods: What to Enjoy and What to Avoid

Summer offers many delicious foods, but some can be harmful to braces or make aligner care difficult.

Braces-Friendly Foods:

  • Soft tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and banana
  • Yogurt, smoothies, and soft cheeses
  • Grilled vegetables and tender sandwiches

Foods to Avoid:

  • Sticky candies and caramel
  • Popcorn and nuts
  • Hard ice cubes and crunchy chips
  • Corn on the cob (cut it off the cob instead)

Choosing braces-safe foods helps prevent damage to your orthodontic appliances and keeps your treatment on schedule.

3. Traveling with Braces or Aligners: Tips for Success

Summer travel can complicate your orthodontic care, but with some preparation, you can stay on track:

  • Pack a travel kit with orthodontic wax, a travel toothbrush, floss threaders, and your aligner case.
  • Brush and floss after every meal, even when on the go.
  • Store your aligners in their case when not wearing them to avoid loss or damage.
  • If you lose an aligner or experience a broken bracket, contact Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics immediately for guidance.

4. Summer Sports and Braces: Staying Safe and Active

Active summer sports are great for fitness but can pose risks to your orthodontic appliances. Dr. Nayak recommends wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard during contact sports like surfing, volleyball, or hiking to protect your teeth and braces. For swimming and other non-contact activities, regular oral care routines are sufficient.

5. Oral Hygiene on the Go: Keeping Your Smile Bright

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during summer is vital. Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily using floss threaders or orthodontic flossers designed for braces. Consider using an antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce plaque buildup. Carry a portable oral hygiene kit for summer outings.

6. Managing Orthodontic Emergencies During Summer

Orthodontic emergencies can happen anytime. Common issues include loose wires, broken brackets, or lost aligners. If you experience discomfort from a poking wire, use orthodontic wax to cover the area temporarily. For lost or broken appliances, contact Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics promptly at any of our locations for advice and to schedule an emergency visit if necessary.

7. Fun Summer Activities That Are Braces-Friendly

Enjoy summer activities that won’t interfere with your orthodontic treatment, such as:

  • Beach days and swimming
  • Movie nights and board games
  • Arts and crafts
  • Picnics with braces-safe foods

These activities help you stay social and active while protecting your smile.

8. Scheduling and Attending Your Summer Appointments

Don’t let summer disrupt your treatment schedule. Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics offers flexible appointment times to fit your summer plans. Regular adjustments and check-ups are essential to keep your treatment progressing smoothly. If you’re traveling, ask about virtual consultations to stay connected with your orthodontic care team.

9. The Importance of Hydration and Oral Health

Staying hydrated is crucial for oral health, especially during the warm summer months. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva flow, which protects teeth and gums by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. Avoid sugary and acidic beverages that can increase the risk of cavities and enamel erosion.

10. Building Healthy Habits for Lifelong Smiles

Summer is a great time to build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Make brushing and flossing a priority, choose braces-friendly foods, and keep regular dental checkups. Parents can encourage children by making oral hygiene fun and rewarding.

11. FAQs: Summer Orthodontic Care

Can I swim with braces or aligners?
Yes! Swimming is safe with braces. Always wear a mouthguard for contact sports and keep aligners in their case when not in use.

What should I do if I miss an appointment?
Contact 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.

12. About Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics & How to Reach Us

At Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Satya Nayak 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:

 

Kaneohe Office:
45-939 Kamehameha Hwy., Suite 103
Kaneohe, HI 96744-3221
Phone: (808) 247-6039

 

Kailua Kona Office:
76-6225 Kuakini Hwy., Suite D-101
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 329-7551

 

Kamuela Office:
65-1230 Mamalahoa Hwy., Suite A-21
Kamuela, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 329-7551

 

Website: https://hawaiiansmilesortho.com/

Conclusion

Summer in Hawaii is a time to enjoy life and create 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, Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics is here to help you smile confidently all summer long.