How To Maintain Your Oral Health on Your Summer Vacation
In our previous post, we explored how to maintain your oral health care throughout the summer months, but now we’re going to look at how you can properly prepare for a shorter summer vacation or getaway. Yes, summer vacations are a time to relax, explore new destinations and create lasting memories with family and friends, but it’s still important that you refrain from neglecting your regular oral hygiene routine. Don’t put a damper on your well-deserved time off – protect your smile while you’re away with these helpful reminders!
Preparation is Key
As you plan out your packing needs for your summer vacation, make a physical list. Make sure your oral hygiene essentials are at the top of this list! These essentials include: a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash. Whether you opt for travel-sized products or invest in a travel toothbrush with a protective case for convenience and cleanliness, your oral hygiene pack is a traveling essential as it’ll make your smile look that much better in all of your vacay photos!
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Sure, vacations by definition provide an opportunity to digress from your typical daily routine, but this doesn’t mean ditching your oral hygiene routine! Take pride in maintaining consistency with your oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each session, brush your tongue, and keep up with your flossing habit. Flossing helps to actively remove plaque and stray bits of food lingering between your chompers.
Stay Hydrated
When you combine hot summer temperatures with increased physical activities during travel excursions, you need to be aware of dehydration. Consume plenty of water to stay optimally hydrated. Water not only helps maintain overall health, but also actively promotes saliva production, which is necessary to neutralize harmful acids and protect your teeth against decay.
Travel with Sugar-Free Gum
Believe it or not, chewing sugar-free gum can help you to maintain good oral hygiene during your vacation. How? It helps stimulate saliva production, which aids in neutralizing acids and washing away bits of oral debris. Keep your eyes peeled for gum with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval for added assurance.
Be Mindful of Travel Food Choices
When dining out during your vacation, be deliberate with your food choices. Sure, it’s okay to indulge in a sweet treat here and there, but do your best to opt for dishes that are less likely to get stuck in between your teeth or leave a sticky residue. Avoid hard candies and chewy snacks that can damage your teeth or lead to dental work complications. You’ll also want to minimize your intake of sugary beverages and stick to unsweetened icy libation options and water whenever possible.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Surroundings
Do your research and keep a list of places offering emergency dental services in case of an issue or unexpected oral health concerns during your vacation. By having this information readily available, you’ll save time and stress if the need to find a local practice (unfortunately) arises.
Schedule a Pre-Vacation Dental Checkup
If you’re able to schedule an appointment prior to your vacation, do it. By getting your teeth checked and cleaned before your vacation, your dentist can address any underlying oral health issues and ensure your teeth and gums are in good shape to travel. Your dentist will also be able to provide personalized recommendations for maintaining your oral hygiene routine while you’re away.
Now it’s time to enjoy your vacation! By following our tips, we know that your smile will thrive and shine in the most Instagrammable of moments. Have questions? Contact us with any dental health or oral health concerns before you embark on your next great adventure!
