05 Aug Travel Tips for Your Teeth

While traveling is a wonderful way to reinvigorate and recharge, it is important to maintain healthy dental habits while away from home. Before vacationing, it’s a good idea to have a checkup with our dentist, too.

Following are a few easy tips for keeping your teeth in great shape while you travel.

Pack an Oral Hygiene Kit

You might be on vacation, but cavity-causing bacteria are not. Packing an oral hygiene kit is a must-have for controlling harmful oral bacteria while you’re away. Your kit should contain a clean toothbrush, dental floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash. We recommend purchasing a toothbrush travel case. This can help keep its bristles from touching dirty surfaces in your suitcase.

You may want to pack topical anesthetics like Orajel and a Save-a-Tooth kit in case you develop a dental injury or toothache.

Drink Plenty of Water

Hydration is important for your total wellbeing, including your oral health. Drinking plenty of water keeps oral tissue moist and rinses away leftover food. Water also dilutes the strong acids that erode tooth enamel.

Save Contact Information for an Emergency Dentist

Toothaches and dental injuries are never fun but they can be even more difficult to manage when you’re away from your dentist. We recommend searching for a dental practice that provides emergency care at your destination. Saving this contact information can give you peace of mind while you travel.

Make Healthy Choices

It’s ok to indulge a little while you’re on vacation but do your best to make healthy choices on your trip. Avoiding or limiting sugary and acidic items helps protect your teeth. If you do have an indulgent desert or a fruity cocktail, be sure to follow these items with plain water and brush your teeth as soon as you are able.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-free gum is a great item to pack in your carry-on luggage or your purse. In addition to relieving pressure in your ears while you fly, sugar-free gum increases saliva production. Your saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against bacterial colonization and debris from leftover food.

For additional tips or to reserve a checkup or cleaning, call Smile Naples today.