In the next few months, some of you will be cutting out a tiny slice of your summer to enjoy life on the open road. Maybe you'll travel to visit family, cross a national park off your bucket list, or maybe you'll drive just a few cities over to see a ball game and stay over the weekend.
As you load up the family wagon, keep in mind how important it is to stay on top of your oral health game while you're away from your normal routine. You'll encounter lots of hazardous food and drink lurking in convenience stores and gas stations, brushing after meals will only become less convenient, and no one wants to spend their hard-earned vacation tending to a dental emergency in a strange town.
Before you set sail on your summer adventure, pack these oral health vacation tips in the back of your mind:
Pack Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar-free gum can be a wonderful accessory for any kind of travel. If you're flying, it can help you equalize air pressure changes in your ears during takeoff and landing. If you're driving, it can be a good way to keep your mouth clean when brushing isn't convenient. Chewing gum helps reduce acid and keep teeth clean by producing saliva. Add it to your packing list and pick up a large pack of sugar-free gum at the grocery store for your trip.
Use Technology for Reminders
Your oral health routine is successful at reducing tooth decay because it's just that: a routine. When you travel, many of your routines will get thrown off. Thankfully, cell phones give us many tools to help keep our routines on track. Set reminders for yourself and your family to brush and floss daily. This can be a great psychological tool to help keep your oral health in good working order throughout your getaway.
Schedule an Appointment Before You Go
To make sure that old crown doesn't come loose when you bite into the local fare at your holiday destination, consider having a dental checkup before traveling if your next one is close. Dental emergencies on vacation are no fun. Plus, you can talk to your dentist about teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures if you're wanting to look your best.
Pack New Toothbrushes
Getting kids to brush can be a challenge for the best of parents, let alone getting them to brush when their days are filled with excitement and crazy adventures. One thing that can help with this process is getting them involved and making the process of buying a new toothbrush a fun one for them. Let them pick the color and style, just make sure it's as hard or soft as your dentist recommends and meets any special requirements they may have. There may be a lot less resistance when you tell them it's time to brush with the cool new toothbrush they picked out.
Thanks for Reading!
If you're getting away this summer, be safe and have fun! Keep an eye on your family's oral health and make sure they're brushing and flossing as much as they can. Please drop by and like our Facebook page for more oral health tips!