7 dental tips for summer vacation
Summer has arrived and with summer often comes fun family vacations. Whether you’re planning a nice long weekend getaway, or taking a week or two off of work to travel, it is nice to get away and take some time to relax. It is important to remember though, that you cannot take a vacation from your oral hygiene routine. Here are some dental tips to make sure that your oral health stays intact while you are enjoying a well-deserved vacation.
Plan & pack:
The first thing that you need to remember, of course, is to actually pack a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. You want to be sure to pack these items into a container that is large enough to provide circulation and ventilation. Another important reminder about the case that you pack your items in is to make sure that it is clean. If you are using a case that you have previously used, you’ll want to take a few minutes to wash it out and if you purchased a new container, it is still always a good idea to make sure that it is clean. After all, it will be housing items that will go into your mouth!
Dry it out:
Another tip for travelers is to make sure that after using your toothbrush, it gets thoroughly dried. Wet toothbrushes are a breeding ground for bacteria. After using your toothbrush, you can simply take a dry and clean towel, and wipe it off and you can stand it up in a cup until it is dry. If you purchased a toothbrush case, it is a good idea to put it back inside once your toothbrush has dried.
Wash hands:
A third tip is to always make sure that you wash your hands before brushing your teeth. Depending on where you are vacationing, you could have dirt, sand, sunscreen, or other not so wonderful germs on your hands and you do not want those germs anywhere near your mouth. If you are traveling out of the country, you will also want to check and make sure that the water is safe to drink. If the water is not safe to drink, you will want to use bottled water when brushing your teeth or you can also boil your water, if that is an option.
Be prepared:
It is always a good idea to pack an extra toothbrush when you are traveling, because if you happen to drop your toothbrush on the floor or in the dirty sink, it is better to use a new and clean toothbrush. When you are home, you can always boil your toothbrush or pop out to the store to get a new one, but that is not always an option when you are on vacation.
Travel smart:
Packing a portable and collapsible toothbrush and having a smaller tube of toothpaste is another great tip for traveling. If you go to the travel section of your pharmacy or other type of convenient store, you will often find these small travel packs. These packs can easily fit into your purse or carry on, and this will ensure that you have it and it does not get lost during travel.
Be mindful of sugar:
Of course it is okay to let loose and let yourself enjoy your vacation. We all tend to change our eating habits and if you do find yourself indulging more than usual, you just want to make sure that you brush your teeth after eating or drinking items that are high in sugar. When sugar is left on your teeth, it can start to cause problems, such as cavities.
Sugarless gum:
The final travel tip is to pack sugarless gum and try to chew some after eating a meal, if you are unable to brush and floss your teeth right after. Sugarless gum helps to stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth, and this helps to keep your teeth clean.
Enjoy your summer vacation and have a lot of fun on your trip. Just do your best to keep these tips in mind so you come home with the same healthy smile that you left with.
