Nothing beats travel for removing you from your daily routine and immersing you in something fresh and different. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you don’t always have time to wash your teeth properly when you’re on the go.
However, amid the frenetic pace, exciting adventures, and much-needed leisure, you must make time to look after your smile. The good news is that you can keep your teeth healthy and clean even if you live a stressful lifestyle. Here are some simple ways to look after your teeth and keep your breath fresh when you’re on the road.
1. Before You Leave, Get Those Pearly Whites Checked
Arriving at your location only to discover that you require emergency dental treatment is the last thing you want to happen. Before you leave, have an appointment with a trusted dentist to prepare for your trip. Schedule your visit in such a way that there is enough time to make a follow-up one in case a problem arises.
2. Get Some Mini Oral Hygiene Essentials
We all know how much extra baggage costs. It’s helpful to follow dental care advice for traveling and invest in space-saving dental items, whether you’re whizzing about a European city or trekking off the main path in the jungle.
You can purchase travel items or invest in innovative products such as toothpaste pods. Opt for a lightweight bamboo brush instead of wasting precious ounces on a bulky electric toothbrush and charger. Make sure you have a little dental kit with you, as it will be much easier to maintain good dental hygiene no matter where you are in the world.
3. Air Dry Your Brush
Bacteria can grow on a moist toothbrush. Make sure your toothbrush is covered in a travel container or resealable Ziplock bag in your carry-on bag to keep the bristles clean and away from other objects. Remove your toothbrush from its travel container as soon as you arrive at your location and allow it to air dry so restrict the growth of bacteria.
4. Use Toothpicks
The American Dental Association recommends flossing between your teeth twice a day. Using portable toothpicks is another fantastic way to keep your teeth clean. Some restaurants and motels have them on hand, so keep a few on hand for when you’re on the road and truly need them.
5. Restrict Your Sugar Consumption While Traveling
It’s vacation, and you’ve earned a few luxuries. Even yet, eating too many sugary snacks might have a negative influence on your teeth. With some of these tooth-healthy travel snacks, you can balance out the occasional pleasure. Bring a small cooler or insulated bag with you to keep them chilled.
Here are a few snack ideas; baby carrots, bananas, celery and peanut butter, string cheese, broccoli florets, mixed nuts or trail mix, sliced apples, and beef jerky.
6. Check Water Quality
If you’re in the middle of nowhere or a remote hamlet and aren’t confident about the water quality, don’t take a chance. Brush your teeth with bottled water instead. Toxic substances can enter your body through your lips, and the last thing you want to do is rush to the hospital. Brush your teeth even if toothpaste isn’t available. Even if you don’t use toothpaste, brushing your teeth with plain clean water is preferable to not brushing at all.
7. Maintain Your Routine
Make sure you stay up with your normal dental routine no matter where you go or how hectic your schedule is. If you take a break from healthy oral hygiene routines, you may not be able to resume them when you return home. Brushing and flossing may also be a fun way for the family to unwind at the end of the day and make plans for the following vacation day.
8. Chew Sugarless Gums
Although it is not advisable to chew gum constantly, you might make an exception when traveling. Because you won’t be able to brush your teeth after every meal while on vacation, chewing sugarless gum will help neutralize acids in your mouth and promote saliva flow, allowing food debris to be rinsed away.
Nothing puts a damper on a long-awaited adventure like a dental emergency. And nearly nothing is scarier than getting oral treatment in a small town in a third-world country that doesn’t speak your language.
If you’re a frequent traveler who wants to keep your smile looking great while on the road, those mentioned above are your best dental travel advice. Also, don’t forget to schedule a dental check-up when you return from your trip.
