Dental Care Tips for Your Summer Vacation!

Travelling can be an exhilarating experience. New places, diverse cultures, and delicious cuisine await! But amid all the excitement, your oral health can be significantly impacted by a lack of regular care routine, in-flight dehydration, and overindulging in foods or drinks that you would normally limit.

Oral health is a vital part of your overall health. Neglecting it can lead to dental health problems such as cavities or gum disease, which can contribute to severe conditions such as oral cancer, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.

If you're travelling this summer, let's explore ways to ensure your teeth remain in top condition even when you're miles away from home!

Before Your Trip

Get A Dental Check-up

It is a great idea to schedule a cleaning and check-up appointment with us before your vacation, especially if you have any dental concerns or ongoing problems with your oral health or if you haven't had a dental check-up in a long time. We can also recommend the best products to pack for your trip.

Schedule a check-up appointment with us today so we can help you enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

Pack Correctly, Pack Lightly

Packing your dental supplies is as important as packing your clothes, shoes, and making itineraries. Here's an easy checklist:

• A Toothbrush - this could be a travel toothbrush or a regular one, but definitely pack it in a well-ventilated travel case to keep it separate from other items and prevent bacteria build-up.
• Floss - save space and use those sample packs, like the ones you get from Kaydental!
• Toothpaste & Mouthwash - most pharmacies and some grocers carry travel sizes.
• Ensure an adequate supply of Orthodontic Elastics if anyone in your family is in orthodontic treatment.
• Don't forget any dental appliances, such as Sports Mouthguards or Night Guards.

Pro Tip: Pack your dental supplies in your carry-on instead of your check-in luggage so you can brush your teeth during the flight or any layovers you may have.

During Your Trip

Maintain Your Regular Dental Routine

It's easy to let some of your home habits slide while you're on vacation, but try to stick to brushing twice and flossing once a day to help keep your teeth cavity-free. Your teeth will thank you! If you're travelling with kids, make sure they keep up with their oral care routine as well.

Store Your Toothbrush Properly

Drying out your toothbrush before putting it in a case or bag will help prevent it from collecting bacteria. If you need to pack it up immediately after brushing, just pull it out and let it air-dry once you reach your next destination.

Be Cautious with Water

If the local water is compromised or simply unsafe to drink, you shouldn't use it to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth either. Use bottled or boiled water instead.

Bring Sugar-free Gum with You

Chewing sugar-free gum can help neutralize acids and minimize bacteria in your mouth. It also increases saliva production to help wash away food particles after a meal. If you can't brush your teeth right away, sugar-free gum can be a good substitute to hold you over until you can.

Be Mindful of Sugary Treats

It's vacation time, and you deserve a treat! However, be mindful that too many sugary treats can negatively impact your teeth. It's always the best idea to balance the occasional treat with healthier snacks, such as fresh fruits, baby carrots, mixed nuts, cheese cubes, sliced apples with peanut butter, beef jerky, or popcorn. But no matter the snack, try to rinse your mouth with water after eating or chew sugar-free gum.

In Case of Emergency

Dental emergencies might happen anytime you travel, even if you're careful about your dental health. Being prepared for these emergencies ahead of time can provide you with peace of mind when you're on your trip.

• Keep our contact details handy so you can contact us about any problems you're having, such as tooth pain, sensitivity or gum inflammation.
• If you have a major problem, such as broken or cracked teeth, go to the nearest emergency room right away or ask friends, family, or your hotel concierge to recommend a local dentist. You can also reach our office by phone or email. Depending on where your travels take you, we might be able to refer you to a dentist through our own dental network.

After Your Trip

Return to Your Usual Dental Routine

Getting a little lazy with our dental care on vacation is normal. We might have skipped flossing or brushing a couple of times and indulged in sweets and sodas, but don't let these temporary bad habits become permanent ones!

Return to your dental routine of brushing and flossing to ensure your pearly whites remain healthy.

Follow Up with Kaydental

If you've experienced any problems or complications, we recommend you see us when you return. If you've consulted another dentist during your trip, ask to have your file transferred to Kaydental so that we can remain updated on your oral health.

Remember: Your teeth never take a vacation!

A vacation may only last a few days or weeks, but your teeth must last a lot longer than that. Maintain your oral health routine, use these tips for oral health on the go, and enjoy yourself!

Kaydental can give you the best dental/oral care tips when you are planning to travel. Contact our office today! Whether you're travelling or planning a staycation, have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Sources:

• American Dental Association: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/travel-tips
• Colgate: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/how-to-maintain-good-dental-care-while-traveling