It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling to visit relatives for holidays or flying to another state for a conference, it is vital that you take good care of your teeth while on the road. Get your toothbrush and your cooler ready! These tips will help you keep your mouth healthy.
Before you go on the road, here are some dental tips
- Book an appointment to see your dentist. You don’t want to be dealing with a dental emergency while you are out of town. Routine dental visits can identify problems before they become severe and prevent you from being inconvenienced by a toothache. You should make an appointment if you haven’t been to your dentist in a while.
- Be careful how you pack your toothbrush. If you pack your toothbrush in an enclosed space, bacteria can thrive. Get a toothbrush holder which has ventilation. Let your toothbrush dry completely before packing. You can give your toothbrush a rest if you’re going to be staying at a place for a while. Don’t forget to clean the toothbrush holder often with soapy water.
These are the top dental tips to remember when you travel.
- Make sure you have all your oral hygiene supplies handy. Who knows when you’ll be in need of a freshening up? Your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash can all be carried in your bag or purse. If you are driving, it will be a relief not to have your toothbrush in a different place. Flying will allow you to refresh your clothes during the flight.
- Verify the water quality. When traveling internationally, make sure you know if the water comes from the tap. It is not safe to drink, so don’t use it for your dental care. Instead, opt for bottled water
- Limit your sugar intake. It’s vacation, so you deserve a little treat. However, too many sugary treats can seriously impact your teeth. You can balance out the occasional sugary treat by packing these healthy snacks for travel. Keep them fresh by packing a cooler or an insulated bag. These are some snacks ideas:
- Baby carrots
- Broccoli florets
- Bananas
- Sliced apples
- Peanut butter and celery
- Mix nuts and trail mix
- String cheese
- Beef jerky
- Water
- Keep sugar-free gum. Chewing gum is a great way to remove food particles and bacteria, as well as keep your breath sweet. Sugar-free gum contains Xylitol, which helps prevent tooth decay.
- Follow your routine. Even if you are tired from a long journey and want to get into bed immediately, brush your teeth and floss regularly. Even though you may feel like your teeth are on vacation, plaque and bacteria can cause serious damage to your teeth. Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes, and floss or use an interdental device every day to clean between them.
How long does a travel size toothpaste last?
It is possible to wonder how much toothpaste you should take if you are on a longer vacation. How long can your travel size toothpaste last for? Travel-sized toothpaste tubes typically hold 3.4 ounces. That’s the maximum amount that the Transportation Security Administration allows you to take onboard with you.
If you use the recommended amount of toothpaste and brush your teeth twice daily, a 3.4-ounce tube should last about 9-10 brushes or five days. If you are unable to remember or run out of toothpaste, it is easy to get some at your local pharmacy. Your hotel may even offer a complimentary tube.
When packing for your next trip start to think about your dental care routines. It’s important to bring along all your dental care needs and have a plan for when you need them. This will ensure that you always have bright, healthy smiles. Enjoy local food without feeling guilty!