This summer, you likely plan to visit loved ones out of state or travel to the beach or a new city. No matter your vacation plans, you know you have a lot to prepare before you leave for your trip. You should keep oral hygiene in mind when planning your vacation.
Though you may intend to take a break on this trip, plaque will not stop hurting your teeth. You can stick to your routine when you make careful plans ahead of your departure for your vacation. Read on to see three ways that you can keep your teeth clean while on the go this summer.
How Can I Maintain Good Oral Hygiene While Traveling?
Keep Oral Hygiene Supplies Handy
Your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss are likely high on your packing list for your vacation. You use these items daily, so you will remember to tuck them into your suitcase before you leave.
However, you do not always have easy access to your luggage while you travel. Your bags might be checked and stowed on an airplane. Or your suitcases could be locked in a hotel room while you hit the beach.
To avoid inadvertently skipping your oral hygiene routine due to access issues, keep oral hygiene supplies on hand during your trip. You can place floss in your pocket or purse, for instance. Then you will not have to worry about damage to your smile during this time.
Pack Healthy Snack Options
You likely have family dinners or restaurant meals planned for your vacation. But you should think about which snacks to have on hand as well before you travel.
If you do not plan your snacks ahead of time, it will be easier to cave into cravings and indulge in something unhealthy. Eating a sugary treat could hurt your teeth, heightening your risk for cavity formation.
Therefore, it can help to pack snacks that will be good for your smile. Nuts and hard-textured foods can even boost your oral hygiene. Their crunchy texture will clean plaque and other harmful resides from your teeth as you eat them.
Drink Plenty of Water Throughout Your Day
Staying hydrated is key to keeping your smile healthy and clean. But when you have a busy schedule on vacation, it can be difficult to drink the amount of water you need.
If you become dehydrated, you could be prone to dry mouth. This condition will heighten your risk of oral infections like gum disease. If allowed to progress, gum disease may lead to tooth loss and more irreversible dental damage.
Therefore, you should pack an easy-to-carry water bottle with you on your trip. This way, you can continue to drink water throughout your day. You will fight dry mouth and improve your oral hygiene by rinsing away harmful particles between meals.
For more preventative dental care and oral hygiene tips, visit your dentist. It is a good idea to see your dentist for a cleaning and oral exam before you leave for your trip too so you can feel confident that your mouth is in good shape.