5 Oral Care Tips to bring with you on Summer Vacation
Summer vacation is the time to relax, reset, and get away from reality. However, before you do that, let’s make sure your teeth and gums are properly cared for.
Unfortunately, there are no vacations from your oral health. Whether you’re at home or relaxing near a beach in the Caribbean, caring for your teeth and gums is essential. Staying on top of your dental hygiene routine, even while vacationing, prevents tooth decay and other oral health issues.
Having that said, this summer vacation, don’t forget the five oral care tips included in this article.
1. Schedule a pre-trip dental checkup
Vacations and trips often lead to food choices that put your teeth in a state that may be more susceptible to tooth decay.
A scheduled visit to your dentist before your vacation is one of the best ways to avoid a dental emergency while you’re away. It also significantly reduces the likelihood that you’ll return home with a cavity or another oral health issue.
During this appointment, your dentist examines your teeth and gums to ensure they’re healthy and ready for vacation. They look for any developing oral health issues so you can receive treatment before your departure. This reduces the chance of unexpected dental complications that would require treatment from unfamiliar dentists in foreign locations.
You may also receive a professional cleaning, which removes the plaque and tartar buildup that can cause tooth decay. This has the extra benefit of making your smile whiter and brighter, just in time for all those holiday photos.
2. Pack your oral care essentials
It’s impossible to take care of your teeth and gums without the proper tools. Therefore, make sure to pack your oral health essentials before heading off on vacation. We recommend building an oral health care kit to keep in your suitcase or carry-on at all times. That way, you’ll never forget your toothbrush!
Your oral care travel kit should include a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash. Opting for travel-sized versions can help conserve space in your luggage or be placed in your carry-on.
You should take a toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste with you on long flights to brush your teeth on the plane. Long flights are no excuse for skipping your nightly or morning brush! Plaque builds up no matter where you are, even if you’re high above the ground.
Additionally, be sure to pack a protective case for your toothbrush for maximum hygiene. Improper storage of your toothbrush can result in nasty bacterial growth. These germs are then transferred to your mouth when you brush, posing a risk to your oral health. A closed container keeps your toothbrush dry when stored, keeping it free from bacteria.
3. Maintain your dental hygiene routine
Travelling upends our routines, infusing our lives with spontaneity and excitement. Some routines are meant to be broken, but others are not. Your oral hygiene regimen is one that you need to adhere to throughout your vacation. Maintaining these healthy habits protects your teeth and gums from tooth decay, infection, and disease. They also keep your smile bright and glistening.
You must brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, floss once per day to dislodge plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas. Rinsing with mouthwash, particularly after meals, helps wash away lingering debris and acid.
4. Be mindful of what you eat
Trying new food, exploring local cuisines, and indulging in tasty delights poolside are some of the joys of taking a vacation. That said, it’s still important to be mindful of what you eat and drink while away from home. Excessive consumption of sugary and acidic food and drinks can leave your smile worse for wear.
Sugary foods and beverages promote bacterial growth, leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. Consequently, it’s best to minimize such consumption as much as possible. If you simply have to indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterwards. The water helps wash away harmful sugars that would otherwise stick to your teeth.
5. Protect your teeth during adventure activities
If your vacation involves adventurous activities such as outdoor sports, then it’s paramount to protect your smile. A custom mouth guard does just that. By wearing a mouth guard during high-impact activities, you can prevent dental injuries that would otherwise send you to the emergency during your vacation.
Custom mouth guards are an investment in your smile and oral health. If you gravitate towards activities that put your teeth or gums at risk, you’ll need a mouth guard.