If you will be part of the people who are going to fly away this fall, this is the optimal time to pay extra attention to your dental health. Whenever you are traveling and far away from your local dentist, there are steps to be taken to prevent any dental issue from rising. The tips found in this article will aid you in maintaining your teeth and gums healthy, so you can thoroughly focus on having fun on your trip rather than dealing with dental problems.
Dental Tips Before You Hit The Road
- Schedule a check-up visit with your dentist. The last thing one wants to deal with when traveling is a dental emergency. Regular visits to the dentist can help in the identification of any problem prior to them leading to trouble and pain, so you won’t be sitting on the sidelines of your trip with a toothache. If it has been a long time since you last saw your dentist, make sure to schedule an appointment before departing.
- Pack properly your toothbrush. Please note that packing a wet toothbrush in an enclosed space can turn it into a breeding ground for bacteria. Pick a toothbrush holder that has some type of ventilation, and, if you have the chance, let your toothbrush dry off fully before throwing it into your luggage. In case you are staying somewhere for a few days, allow your toothbrush to break from its case. And never forget to clean up your toothbrush using water and soap.
Follow These Dental Tips While Traveling
Pack Travel Dental Items Right Away
Considering you will need to use your toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and any other dental utilities at home till you leave, a smart idea would be to purchase some separate ones for your trip, so you can pack those items immediately, and not worry about forgetting them later on.
Use A Toothbrush Alternative If Needed
In the event that you forget to bring your toothbrush with you, there are still some approaches to keeping your teeth clean until you are able to buy one at your future destination. Make sure to rinse your mouth with water to wash away bacteria instilled in your gums and teeth. Another solution would be to use your finger as your brush. Simply wash your hands, put toothpaste on your finger, and carefully “brush” your teeth.
Time For A New Toothbrush?
Numerous people have trouble remembering the very last time they changed their toothbrush (as a matter of fact, it should be changed every 3 months), so why not see this trip as a chance to pick up a new toothbrush while staying away from the other bits and bobs?
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean And Dry
Allowing bacteria and germs to build up on your toothbrush, means, of course, a higher risk of dental issues. So, always rinse the toothbrush after using it throughout your vacation. And if possible, let it air dry. If you are unable to do that, the toothbrush should be put in a resealable and clean plastic bag by itself, so you can lower the risk of bacteria exposure.
In-Flight Hygiene
You can now get rid of that post-flight feeling when your teeth feel quite plaque-y, the saliva is stale and the breath can scare the closeby people away, by packing a travel toothbrush and a mini toothpaste. You can carry them in your bag and brush your teeth 40 minutes after in-flight meals or prior to sleeping. Bear in mind that you should also drink a lot of water during your flight. Do trust us, the person who’s sitting next to you will say thanks.
Watch The Water You Use
Whenever you find yourself in an area without clean water or great outdoors, you can brush your teeth with bottled water. Such action will help in lowering the risk of getting ill from unclean or contaminated water. In case your toothbrush gets exposed to unsafe water, it should be replaced straight away with a new one, or it could be carefully rinsed with bottled water.
Bring Sugarless Gum And Tooth-Friendly Snacks
An amazing way to reduce the risk of tooth decay while flying or traveling, in general, is sugarless gums. Though brushing your teeth after eating isn’t always possible, sugarless gums always work to prevent tooth decay. The gum will lead to a higher production of saliva, which washes away bacteria from the teeth. Make sure to bring packs of sugarless gum with you, alongside some snacks that promote healthy teeth including plain almonds or other nuts, carrot sticks or other vegetables, fresh fruits, or even string cheese or cheese cubes.
Limit Your Sugar
The consumption of a high amount of sugar is always bad for your oral health. When traveling, limiting the intake of sugary food is prudent. Our recommendation would be to snack on many healthy alternatives like apples, celery, or carrots, instead. So, while traveling, be it for a short period or a longer one, never ever ignore your dental hygiene. Keep in mind always the dental routines while you are traveling so you can plan ahead while packing. To make the job easier, you can purchase a fully equipped dental kit.
Schedule A Cleaning Before You Go
If it is time for the bi-annual dental cleaning and examination, ensure that you go to that prior to traveling. Checking on your teeth for potential issues before going, means you can have these taken care of, so one less problem to worry about. This will help in lowering the risk of having a dental emergency whenever traveling. Furthermore, this will enable you to make the most of your trip and look amazing with freshly cleaned teeth. If you are aware that you need dental work done, you should pay attention to that before you go on your trip. Or else, you could end up looking for an emergency dentist while on vacation, and that not only is bothersome but it can cost quite a lot. Reminder yet again, dental cleaning should be done twice a year.
Prepare For Dental Emergencies
Truth be told, dental emergencies can occur when traveling, even in case you are extra careful about your dental health. Thus, being prepared for such emergencies ahead of time can offer you peace of mind when you are on vacation. You can always bring with you your dentist’s information to call him or her about any issue you might be having such as tooth sensitivity, gum inflammation, a cracked or chipped tooth, or minor tooth pain. Your dentist will be able to provide you with instructions on what to do next and might even give suggestions to a dentist nearby. In such circumstances, Google might even be your best friend, but make sure to read everything carefully, starting with the dentist’s education, patients’ testimonials, and every single review- good or bad, to make the right decision.
If you find yourself in Albania and need immediate help contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Roland Zhuka. We will provide you with comprehensive exams and any dental health services you might need.
Lastly, How Long Does A Travel Size Toothpaste Last?
If you have planned ahead an extended vacation, you might be wondering how much toothpaste you should bring along. The question in your head might be “How long will your travel-size toothpaste last?” Normally, travel-size toothpaste tubes hold approximately 96 grams, a number quite close to the maximum of fluids the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows you to carry on board a flight. If you purchase the suggested amount and brush your teeth two times per day, a 96-gram tube will generally last for 9 to 10 brushes or 5 days. Fortunately, toothpaste can quite easily be purchased at a nearby shop if you run out of it, or completely forget about it. Or, if you are lucky enough, your hotel might even provide a complimentary tube.
While packing for your next vacation, begin thinking about the dental routines you should follow when traveling. To maintain healthy teeth and a gorgeous smile, bringing oral care utilities and compiling a plan in place for on-the-go cleaning will be extremely helpful. Plus there’s the extra benefit of being able to indulge in the local cuisine without regretting it.