Tips For Maintaining Oral Hygiene During Holidays

When summertime comes we only think about holidays and the amazing time we will have relaxing by the beach. Although this is the best time to rest and forget about your obligations it is important to not forget to take care of your health, including your oral one. 

We know that the change in timetables, routines, your diet will make it difficult for you to keep up with your dental care but it is very important to not neglect it. This will not be very difficult and furthermore we will give you some advice on what to keep in mind if you are traveling for your holidays, outside or inside the county. 

How To Maintain Dental Health On Holiday

It’s not necessary to adjust your dental hygiene routine just because summer break is here. But it’s normal for many individuals to forget about their oral hygiene to some degree when on vacation, which raises the possibility of gum irritation or the development of tooth cavities. If neglected eventually this will lead to the possibility of gum irritation or dental caries development. Do not change your daily routine of cleaning your teeth which involves carefully brushing and flossing them at least twice a day. 

While we know that summer is hot and you will find yourself craving summer treats such as ice creams, it is important to find a balance between these two. Your dentist will emphasize the importance of dental care, especially during the summer. It is very important that you dedicate the right time to your routine twice a day. Furthermore, we will take a look at the tips that will help you keep your mouth healthy even when you are away from home and make sure you come back from the holidays without any problems with your teeth or gums.

Holiday Dental Care Tips

Similar to how it is advised to pay extra attention to our skin’s health in the summer due to increased exposure to the sun’s rays or to ensure that the digestive system is functioning normally due to dietary changes, oral health is also more vulnerable to certain issues during this time of year. This summer, if you want to keep your mouth healthy keep in mind these easy oral hygiene tips: 

Oral Hygiene Travel Kit

If you are traveling for a couple of days we advise you to keep an oral hygiene travel kit with you. This will include a small mouth wash a small travel toothbrush, and dental floss. These components will help you keep your mouth healthy and not miss any step of your routine. This way you won’t have a foul breath or food stuck in your teeth, making your holidays more enjoyable. 

Don’t Forget To Brush

Although having a proper dental routine is very important throughout the whole year, it is especially necessary during summertime. During this time of the year, you notice sweets, and ice creams in every corner of the street and it will be very hard to resist it. This is the main reason why you should pay extra attention to your oral health during this time. 

If you are unable to wash your teeth after eating ice cream, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water to remove sugary residue and lower the risk of dental disease. Furthermore, if at all possible, try to avoid brushing just after eating, especially after consuming the above-mentioned meals. It’s important to try and keep up with your normal oral hygiene practice even if the holidays may cause significant changes to our usual habits. Make sure you keep flossing at least once a day and using fluoride toothpaste. 

Caring For Your Toothbrush

It is very important that you dont forget to take care of your toothbrush while traveling. Before you store it in your toilet bag be careful to fully protect it since it can collect bacteria from the other objects nearby, for example, make-up. If you protect it the right way you will also avoid damaging and contact with the other toothbrushes, if there are any. Keep in mind to change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months, or as soon as you notice any damage sign. 

Drink Plenty Of Water

As you might have heard, drinking water will be highly beneficial for your general health, especially your oral one. By drinking the right amount of it daily you will make sure that your immune system is healthy, your skin will be radiant and you will avoid teeth problems including periodontal ones. However, during the summertime, this should be one of the most important things you should keep in mind.  

During this time of the year, you will find yourself dehydrated most of the time since you will definitely sweat more. If you dont drink enough water, bacteria and food particles will be stuck between teeth and gums for a longer period of time. Also, keep in mind that water contains fluoride which will help keep the teeth stronger and healthy. 

If for the moment you are not able to clean your teeth properly with a toothbrush, water will be an excellent substitute. This way you will not only remove the bacteria but you will also help the production of saliva which will regulate the mouth’s pH. 

The Importance Of Flossing

One other recommendation that you should follow is to always keep dental floss with you, especially during the holidays. This way you won’t be embarrassed by having salad stuck in your teeth, since you will be able to quickly floss them at any time and place. 

This practice will especially be important during the summer holidays. If you are thinking of planning your holiday, do not forget to keep them with you at any time. However, if you forget to pack it, sugar-free gum will be also helpful. This way you will minimize the accumulation of plaque and remove the bacteria that gets left behind after you eat. 

Limit Sugary And Harmful Things

We know that it can be hard turning down sugary beverages and meals during the summertime, especially during your holidays, but you should at least make an effort to do so. It is a known fact that during this time we are more willing to consume sugary drinks like sodas, ice creams, and also chocolates. However try to minimize your daily intake of these kinds of foods and in cases when you consume them, give your mouth a quick rinse in order to avoid any sugar buildup.

Limit Snacking 

This time of year, during family get-togethers and summer parties, it’s easy to snack on the various appetizers and candy. But snacking damages your teeth and gums. After eating, your body produces acid that helps in the breakdown of the food. Furthermore, this acid is harmful to dental health. Mealtimes should have defined beginnings and endings to allow your teeth to rest from this activity. To maintain excellent oral health, try to rinse or clean your mouth after eating whenever possible.

Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

If you dont have dental floss with you and you are unable to brush your teeth after consuming a meal, chewing on sugar-free gum will be very helpful. Since this will increase the production of saliva flow in the mouth, the accumulation of food will be reduced, keeping your teeth and gums protected. This way bacteria accumulation and food particles will come off more easily without damaging the enamel. 

Limit Consumption Of Cold Food And Beverages

Although most people like to consume cold drinks and foods during the summer, you should know that your mouth won’t thank you for it. Although they can provide a fresh feeling you should know that you may risk developing mouth sensitivity which will eventually cause discomfort to the teeth and also gums. Even though it can be hard try avoiding drinks that are too cold and replace them with room-temperature ones. 

Avoid Alcohol And Tobacco Consumption

For oral care over the holidays, use tobacco and alcohol in moderation or not at all. Both alcohol and tobacco, in addition to being generally harmful, promote the development of halitosis and interfere with the body’s natural defenses, leaving it more vulnerable to infections of all kinds. Try to minimize the use of them as much as possible, if you want to avoid further dental issues in the future. 

Be Careful When Eating Hard Foods

One of the most amazing aspects of traveling is trying out different cuisines and expanding your gastronomic horizons. But if you don’t pay attention to what you’re eating, your search to discover new flavors might come to a quick and unpleasant end.

Hard foods can really harm your teeth, particularly if you bite down on something unexpectedly. Try unfamiliar foods carefully and try chewing your food gently. Biting down firmly on anything hard or crunchy can cause dental chips or cracks. also try to avoid eating ice, no matter how hot it is.