With a new year starting, you are likely considering vacations you and your family will take in the coming months. Whether you want to see loved ones in another state or explore a new city, your vacation will require planning. Make sure you consider your oral health when you make these plans.
You may want to relax on this trip. But plaque will not take a break from accumulating and wreaking havoc on your smile. However, if you take precautions when it comes to oral hygiene ahead of time, you should have no problems maintaining your healthy smile on the go. Read on to find advice from your dentist for sticking to a good oral hygiene routine on your next vacation.
How to Keep Teeth Clean on the Go
Pack Portable Oral Hygiene Supplies
As you pack for your upcoming trip, your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss are likely high on your list because you use them every day. But stowing these oral hygiene supplies in your suitcase is not always the most convenient option.
You might have your luggage checked on a long flight or locked in a hotel room as you travel. In these cases, you do not always have access to these items, and then you might find yourself without the proper supplies when it is time to complete your oral hygiene routine.
It can be a good idea to keep portable oral hygiene supplies on your person then. For instance, floss kept in a pocket or purse can ensure you can take care of your smile when needed.
Plan Healthy Snack Options
You might intend to check out specific restaurants or sit down to home-cooked meals with family on your vacation. But you should plan snacks as well as meals ahead of time to better protect your oral health on your trip.
If you do not consider snack options ahead of time, you may find yourself craving and caving into unhealthy foods and drinks. Items with added sugar can put you in danger of forming cavities or other dental dangers.
Consider packing dried fruits or nuts that you can snack on during your trip without worrying about harming your teeth. Crunchy foods like nuts will also boost your oral hygiene. This is because they scrape away plaque between teeth-brushing regimens as you eat.
Drink Plenty of Water
You need to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy. And this applies to your oral health too. When you have a busy schedule during your trip and break from your usual routine, it can be harder to drink the amount of water your body requires.
You should pack an easy-to-carry water bottle so that you have access to water as you travel. Then you can stay hydrated, fighting off dry mouth that may put you at risk of oral infections like gum disease. Find more preventative dental care tips by calling your dentist today.