Get Away, But Don’t Forget About Your Teeth! Travel Tips for Oral Health
Posted by Nicole
Spring and Summer are usually very popular seasons for people to travel. As things begin to open back up as people are vaccinated, more people are looking to get out and about. Do you have an upcoming trip planned? We want to remind you not to forget about your oral health while traveling. We’ve compiled some easy tips to take care of your teeth while you’re away from home. Don’t worry, they’re simple, and won’t take away from your vacation!
Schedule a Dental Appointment Before You Leave
Are you due for a routine cleaning? Maybe you need a dental procedure done. You should get it taken care of before you go on your trip to avoid any discomfort or problems that could occur while you’re away. This is especially important if you are traveling internationally or if you are going away for an extended period.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Things happen! Of course, it is always possible that something could happen while you are traveling. It’s a good idea to bring along your dental insurance card and contact information for your dentist should you need to contact them for advice. Pro Tip: tuck this information away with your toiletries.
Pack The Essentials
Make yourself an oral hygiene kit that you use just for travel. A cheap toothbrush, that you can easily dispose of after your trip is best. This way, if you have a more expensive toothbrush at home, it remains there safely, and you aren’t exposing it to any extra germs along the way. Of course, be sure to include toothpaste, floss, and any mouthwash you prefer. If you forget this, it really isn’t a good idea to share with someone else. The CDC warns against sharing toothbrushes because it spreads bacteria and can get you and the person you are sharing with sick. A better option would be to see if the place you are staying has new toothbrushes on hand complimentary or for purchase.
Keep it Clean (and, Let it Dry)
We recommend you use a toothbrush holder with holes. This will help water evaporate preventing mold and bacteria growth. You don’t want something you are cleaning your mouth with to be filled with a ton of germs. Just tossing your toothbrush into your bag after use is unsanitary. Damp environments are the perfect place for bacteria to grow, so it’s a good idea to take extra care in keeping your toothbrush clean.
Some suggestions are to:
- Rinse the toothbrush and holder under hot water before and after each use.
- Dry your toothbrush and holder as much as possible. If you can, lay them out to completely dry before packing back up.
Watch What You Eat
It’s common during travel to eat lots of foods on the go. Often the foods available at convenience locations are full of sugar. We know that when we limit sugar, we cut our oral health risk.
Be Prepared with Options
The best-case scenario after eating on the go foods, or dining out, would be to brush and floss immediately after. This can be difficult during travel. It’s not a bad idea to have a package of sugar-free gum on hand for these situations. At the very least, it will give you fresher breath and can increase salivation to naturally clean your teeth a bit.
Goebel Family Dentistry is here for you before, during, and after your trip! Please get in touch so that we can help you with all your oral care needs!