Traveling often brings the excitement of exploring new destinations, but it can also disrupt your daily routines, especially your oral hygiene habits. Whether you’re jetting off to a faraway place or embarking on a road trip, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your journey. Drs. Shannon & Tom Galinis and Dr. T.L. Plymale from Aesthetic Dentistry of Palm City in Palm City, FL, share some tips to keep your smile healthy no matter where your travels take you.
1. Pack Travel-Friendly Oral Care Essentials
When planning a trip, oral care items might not always be at the top of one’s mind, but packing the right products is essential. A compact toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash are easy to carry and ensure you can maintain your routine while on the go.
- Toothbrush: Choose a foldable toothbrush or a small electric one to save space in your luggage.
- Toothpaste: Travel-sized tubes of fluoride toothpaste are not only TSA-friendly but are also convenient for short trips.
- Floss or floss picks: Regular flossing is just as important as brushing. Consider packing floss picks, which are convenient to use on the road.
- Mouthwash: Opt for a small, travel-sized bottle of antiseptic mouthwash. This is great for quick freshening up, especially when water isn’t readily available.
Don’t forget to include a protective case for your toothbrush to keep it sanitary while in your bag. The key is to keep these items easily accessible, such as in your carry-on, so that you can use them during long flights or road trips.
2. Stay Hydrated
When traveling, especially by air, dehydration can be a common issue, leading to dry mouth. A dry mouth not only feels uncomfortable but also encourages the growth of bacteria, which can contribute to bad breath and plaque buildup.
Drink water regularly throughout your trip to help keep your mouth hydrated and wash away food particles and bacteria. In addition to staying hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps protect your teeth against decay and keeps your breath fresh.
3. Limit Sugary and Acidic Snacks
It’s easy to reach for sugary snacks while traveling, whether from the airport kiosk or the roadside convenience store. However, these treats can fuel bacteria that produce acids, damaging tooth enamel and leading to cavities. Acidic beverages, like sodas and citrus juices, can further erode enamel.
Instead, opt for healthier snacks like nuts, cheese, or apples, which are good for your teeth and provide longer-lasting energy. Cheese, in particular, is known to neutralize acid and protect your enamel.
4. Brush After Every Meal (When Possible)
Although it can be challenging to brush your teeth after every meal while traveling, especially in transit, try to keep up with this habit as much as possible. Brushing helps remove food debris and plaque that can accumulate after eating. If brushing immediately isn’t an option, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum to clean your teeth and freshen your breath.
You can bring your oral care kit and brush after meals or before sleeping for longer flights. Most airplane restrooms have enough space to freshen up, so take advantage of the opportunity.
5. Use Bottled Water if Necessary
If you’re traveling to a region where tap water is unsafe to drink, it’s important to use bottled water to brush your teeth. While it may seem inconvenient, using contaminated water to brush your teeth could expose you to harmful bacteria. Pack bottled water for brushing and rinsing, and keep your mouth and body safe from potential health risks.
6. Keep an Oral Care Routine
Maintaining a traveling routine can be difficult with different time zones, schedules, and activities. However, keeping your oral care routine as close as possible to what you do at home will help you avoid problems down the road.
- Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss at least once a day to remove plaque between teeth.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Setting reminders on your phone can be helpful to ensure you don’t forget to brush and floss when you’re busy or exhausted from a long day of travel.
7. Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools
Travel often means handling bags, opening packages, or unscrewing bottles – tasks that might tempt you to use your teeth as a tool in a pinch. Resist the urge! Using your teeth to tear, pull, or pry can cause damage, such as chipped or cracked teeth, which might require emergency dental care, especially when you’re far from your dentist.
Instead, always keep a small multi-tool or scissors on hand to avoid putting your teeth at risk.
8. Schedule a Pre-Travel Dental Check-Up
Before embarking on a long trip, especially if you’re going to be away for an extended period or traveling to remote areas, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental check-up at Aesthetic Dentistry of Palm City. Drs. Shannon & Tom Galinis and Dr. T.L. Plymale can check for potential issues while you’re away and ensure that your teeth are in good shape for your travels.
A check-up before you leave can prevent unexpected dental problems and allow you to address any concerns with your dentist before you leave town.
9. Have a Dental Emergency Plan
No one anticipates needing dental care while on vacation, but accidents can happen. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for a dental emergency, especially if you’re traveling internationally or to a remote location.
Research dental clinics at your destination, or ask your dentist for recommendations. You can also check if your travel insurance covers emergency dental care so you’re not caught off guard if something happens.
Final Thoughts for Your Next Adventure
Maintaining good oral hygiene while traveling might seem like an extra chore, but with a little planning, it’s easy to stay on top of your routine. Keeping your smile healthy throughout your travels means you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about dental issues. Following these tips ensures that your oral health remains a priority, no matter where your journey takes you.
If you’re planning a trip soon and need a pre-travel check-up, contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Palm City. Drs. Shannon & Tom Galinis and Dr. T.L. Plymale are here to help you ensure your teeth are in top shape before you head out on your next adventure.
Sources:
- Brambilla, E. (2001). Fluoride—Is it capable of fighting old and new dental diseases? Caries Research.
- McNally, L. M., Chandramohan, D., Hall, A. J., & Drasar, B. S. (1998). A review of the safety of bottled water and oral hygiene practices in foreign travel. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease.
- Featherstone, J. D. B. (2000). The science and practice of caries prevention. Journal of the American Dental Association.
