Many people enjoy traveling during the holiday season so they can visit family, visit an exotic locale, or simply get out of town for a while. Unfortunately, painful oral infections can still strike even if you are traveling on vacation, but they can be prevented with the right precautions. Here’s a quick guide to a few excellent ways to ensure that your smile stays safe, healthy, and strong when you take a trip for the holidays.
Pack an Oral Hygiene Kit
The American Dental Association recommends adhering to a daily oral hygiene routine that includes at least two brushings, one flossing, and a thorough rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash. This regimen is simple to keep up with once you get used to it, and it’s important to stick to it even if you are on vacation. Before departing, be sure to pack an oral hygiene kit that includes the following items:
- Toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Toothpaste
- Antibacterial Mouthwash
- Any orthodontic supplies
- Your nightguard if you grind your teeth in your sleep
Please keep in mind that you’ll need to pack travel-sized toothpaste and mouthwash if you will be traveling by air.
Drink Plenty of Water
It can be far too easy to stop at a gas station and pick up a sugary or starchy snack and an extra-large soda if you are traveling on the road, and the foods and beverages offered at airport terminals can also be harsh on your teeth. Many vacationers are also tempted to overindulge in alcoholic libations that are quite acidic and can irritate the gums and other soft tissues. While traveling, it’s important to make smart decisions when selecting your beverage to prevent enamel erosion and accumulations of harmful oral bacteria.
While it’s okay to enjoy a sweet or tart beverage while on vacation, make sure your primary beverage is always water. This wonderful drink is harmless to your teeth and will help flush harsh agents away from your mouth. Water will also promote healthy saliva flow, which will help your teeth stay nourished and lubricated.
Have a Dental Checkup Before Leaving
Scheduling a dental checkup a few weeks before you leave for your trip will allow a qualified dental professional to thoroughly clean your teeth and detect any problems in their early stages. Addressing any issues found can prevent a host of painful oral health problems like toothaches, worsening dental cracks, and broken restorations.
Don’t let harmful oral bacteria run rampant in your mouth while you are on vacation. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your mouth healthy when traveling for the holidays.
About the Practice
Dr. Barry R. Franzen earned his dental degree at Marquette University School of Dentistry and has received extensive prosthodontic training at the University of Missouri and the Truman Medical Center. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, and the Academy of Osseointegration. His office in Milwaukee offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your next dental checkup, contact his office online or dial (414) 543-5432.