Going on a well-deserved vacation or a holiday gives people the chance to relax and enjoy life. Taking the time out to travel, however, can pose a challenge when you are trying to keep a healthy oral hygiene routine. Since you are away from home, you may forget to give your gums and teeth the TLC it deserves.
If you are planning an international excursion, a weeklong road trip or a weekend getaway to a resort, you should do your best to stay on top of your oral health.
Here are nine dental hygiene tips to keep your pearly whites fresh and healthy:
Stay on Track with a Dental Hygiene Travel Kit
Straying from your oral care routine while on vacation is easy, especially when you are sleeping in or staying up later. Forgetting this dental hygiene regimen, however, can be problematic to your teeth and gums.
When packing your stuff, stash a travel kit in your carry-on luggage or glove compartment. This helps keep your dental care items within reach. Some items that you should put in your kit are the following:
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Whitening gel for your teeth to help you maintain your teeth whitening routine
- Fluoridated mouthwash to help keep your breath fresh
Keep Your Travel Kit Clean
When you are packing your stuff, you are likely to just stash your toothbrush and other oral hygiene products into your travel bag. If the inside of the bag is not clean, however, the germs in that container can jump on the toothbrush and cause problems for your teeth.
Before you pack, take the time to disinfect the inside of your bag. The last thing you want is bacteria breeding on your brush while you are on a wonderful vacation.
Make Time for an Oral Checkup
Do not hit the road or drive to the airport without visiting your dentist for a checkup. If you can, go through a thorough examination, so your dentist can identify and treat oral problems before they get worse. By visiting your dentist, you will enjoy peace of mind knowing that you have the most up-to-date information about your dental health.
Bring Chewing Gum for Your Next Journey
Chewing sugar-free gum does more than just alleviate ear pressure during a flight. This food helps keep cavities at bay while you are on vacay.
So, remember to chew sugarless gum following an in-flight meal. This gets the saliva flowing and helps wash away bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums.
Dry Out Your Toothbrush
A wet brush breeds bacteria. After you use your toothbrush, do not stuff it inside your travel case right away. Instead, let your brush dry out in an airy spot.
Brush and Floss during Pit Stops
Brushing and flossing your teeth at every pit stop is an effective way to stay on top of your dental health. Whether you are pulling over at a rest area, fueling up your car or arriving at the airport for a layover, use these breaks wisely by taking care of your teeth. This oral hygiene tip is especially helpful for traveling young children who may need brushing and flossing reminders.
When in Doubt, Brush with Clean, Bottled Water
If you are staying in a location with a compromised water supply, use bottled water to brush and rinse your teeth. This minimizes the risk of you getting sick while you are on a holiday.
Eat Mindfully
Many find sticking to a healthy diet when they are at home an easy task. As soon as they go on a holiday, however, the job of maintaining that diet gets a little tougher. The reason is that people tend to change their regular eating habits while they are on break.
When you are on the road or overseas, watch what you eat. Minimize your consumption of local desserts and sweet treats.
If you cannot stop snacking, pack healthy food options instead of getting chips and other unhealthy snacks at your destination.
A few examples include the following:Do not forget to brush and floss your teeth after every meal.
Drink Plenty of Water
Traveling allows people to enjoy sugary and alcoholic beverages. Wine, beer, soda, and other acidic drinks, however, can cause tooth decay and damage the enamel. As much as possible, drink water to help stimulate healthy saliva production, neutralize the acid, rinse away the bacteria and clean your teeth.
Your oral hygiene should not be taking a holiday just because you are going on a break. Make sure to follow these nine tips to keep your pearly whites strong, healthy, and beautiful.