Overview
Did you put away your passport, camera and all the necessary clothing for your next trip? This can be quite stressful because you don’t want to forget anything be it important documents or credit cards and all the money you need to pay for everything. Do not forget to bring what you need to brush your teeth and keep your mouth clean. In this article, I am recommending few oral hygiene items for the travellers so that you can create a perfect kit to keep you smiling throughout your trip.
Dental floss
Flossing is not only important when at home but also when you are far away from home. In case your trip lasts for a few weeks and if you don’t floss during all that time then you are at higher risk to develop gum diseases and also cavities between your teeth. Hence, it is significant that you always carry the dental floss with you while traveling. It can also be handy for removing the fibrous foods that stuck between your teeth after meal!
Bear in mind that if the spaces between your teeth are tight then waxed floss can be easier to use.
Toothbrush
Toothbrush has been the basic device for oral hygiene for centuries as it removes most of the food debris and dental plaque. Its cleaning action is well completed when you floss right after. An electric toothbrush can clean your teeth better especially if you have braces on. Also do not forget to put the charger in your luggage along with rest of the stuff. In case you have to buy a new toothbrush during your trip, remember to get a soft or an ultra-soft one.
Toothpaste
You can always buy toothpaste from wherever you are traveling to. Each supermarket of every country should have a variety of toothpastes to choose from. However, some travellers have preferences in the toothpaste they like, be it the taste or if they want a tooth sensitivity fighter, it is better off to bring your own.
Keep in mind that big tube of over 100 ml toothpaste cannot be kept with you on an airplane, as it has to stay in the checked in luggage.
Sugarless gum
Sometimes you will eat a snack or you want to try local food but you cannot brush and floss right after. Chew on a sugarless gum for 10 minutes after a meal. This will stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth which is a natural cleaner. It also reduces the acidity of the mouth, making it a less cavity prone environment. However, it does not replace brushing and flossing, instead it is a temporary salutation that makes your breath fresher.
Interdental brush such as the Proxabrush
If you have braces on your teeth or you have receeding gums then it is a good idea to have an interdental brush always with you. They are small and manufactured by several companies such as Gum for the Proxabrush. Sometimes even a floss or an electric toothbrush doesn’t remove rice or a tiny piece of food stuck in between your tooth and wire, an interdental brush can do wonders in such cases.
Bottom line
Don’t let a dental issue become the lasting memory of your vacation. There is no better way to ensure a healthy mouth before, during and after your holiday than taking care of your teeth just as you do at your home. Remember that while traveling that all of the usual at home rules apply- avoid sugar and no matter what stick with your regular oral hygiene routine. If you splurge on the sweet sugary drinks or make s’mores around campfire then ensure sensible oral hygiene such as drinking lots of water, brushing and flossing to get the sticky stuff off, even chewing gum as these will help to keep teeth in top form. No matter how often you travel, you can always end your day on a minty fresh, healthy note with a little bit of effort. Maintaining dental hygiene on the road can be quite challenging. Therefore carrying the routine on the road is essential to stave off any dental issues down the road.
You may also read:
Relation Between Oral Hygiene and Your Overall Health
Poor Dental Hygiene Linked to Brain Tissue Degeneration
