How to Maintain a Healthy Smile While Traveling

It’s summer time! Do you and your family have any fun trips planned during the warm months ahead?

While vacations give us an excuse to relax from the daily grind, it is important that you don’t compromise the health of your mouth during travel. Here are simple ways your family can avoid dental issues and maintain good oral health during summer vacations.  

• Gather your supplies. The first step to caring for your teeth while traveling is to stock up with the essentials you need to effectively and efficiently clean your mouth. Choose travel-sized supplies that fit conveniently in a carry-on, such as portable toothbrushes and miniature toothpastes and floss similar to the ones given after a cleaning appointment at McLean DDS. Store your oral health tools in a kit that allows you to have quick and easy access to them throughout your trip.
• Pack your toothbrush properly. A toothbrush can collect a lot of germs and bacteria when you are on a trip. To keep it clean, store your toothbrush in a ventilated container during travel time to air dry between use. When you reach your destination, remove the toothbrush from the container to prevent bacteria growth.
• Commit to your oral hygiene routine. Keeping your mouth healthy while traveling is simple when committing to good, daily oral hygiene. While you may be tempted to skip a day of brushing or flossing, remember that these habits are especially important during vacation when you are more likely to indulge in sugary foods and treats. As a general rule, brush at least 2 minutes twice a day and floss daily to keep dental issues at bay.
• Have healthy snacks on hand. It is normal to want to overindulge when you are on vacation, though for the sake of your oral health, balance the sugary treats with healthier options. When too much sugar is consumed, it creates a food source for the bacteria found in plaque causing cavities and gum disease. Keep healthy snacks on hand — such as apple slices, cheese and baby carrots. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and brush after eating to remove harmful debris from the surfaces of your teeth.
• Visit your dentist before you leave. Finally, if you or members of your family are due for a dental exam and cleaning, schedule an appointment with McLean DDS before departing for your trip. This is especially important if you will be traveling for an extended period or traveling to a location with limited access to dental care. During your visit, we will examine your teeth and gums for potential issues that could cause a painful dental emergency on your trip.

Whether you are traveling this summer or relaxing at home, it can be easy to let your family’s dental care fall to the wayside. The good news is, with a little extra planning and commitment to caring for your teeth, you can enjoy vacation time and great oral health all summer. If you want to schedule appointments for your family before you leave, please contact us. Happy travels!