Traveling can be hectic and time consuming, often causing us to forget or ignore little daily routines that keep us healthy. Before you pack up and head out this Summer, check out these travel tips to help you keep a clean mouth while on vacation.
Visit the Dentist before Leaving
A few weeks before departing for your trip, schedule an appointment for you and your children with your dentist. A pre-trip checkup will ensure that everything in your mouth is healthy and ready to hit the road! There’s nothing worse than being away from home and encountering an oral care issue that could’ve been prevented with a simple checkup. Find a local pediatric dentist in your neighborhood and schedule a checkup for your kids there.
Make a Dental Travel Kit
hen you’re shopping for your trip, take a small detour to purchase travel-sized mouth care items for you and your family. A travel-sized mouth care kit will encourage your family to keep taking care of their teeth while away. We suggest buying a small toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss for each family member on the trip.
QUICK TIP: pack your dental travel kit on top of your clothes so that it’s the first thing you see when you get to your destination.
Protect Your Toothbrush
Buy a small cover for your toothbrush to protect it from germs and other bacteria that you will encounter on your travels. Get a hard shell to protect the bristles on your tooth brush, and make sure that your toothbrush is dry before storing it to prevent bacterial growth. We also suggest that you look into buying an anti-bacterial cover to really keep the germs away.
Fly the Right Way
If you’re flying to your vacation, then make sure that you are abiding by TSA rules so that you can get your dental travel kit on the plane. If you’re packing it in your carry on, then put your dental care accessories in a clear quart-sized bag in an easy to reach spot in your bag. If you’re checking your luggage, then you can pack full sized mouth care items. More TSA travel guidelines can be found here.
Watch What You Eat
Eating local foods while abroad is one of the best things about travelling, but that doesn’t mean you should overindulge. Try to avoid starchy foods that can stick to your teeth and cause cavities. Look for tooth-super food dairy products, which strengthen your enamel and fight against cavities.
QUICK TIP: rinse your mouth with cool water after each meal to remove any excess debris from between your teeth.
Keep Your Routine
It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of a vacation, but you owe to your overall health to maintain your oral care routine. Remember to brush twice per day for two minutes at a time, and floss once per day. Try to make it a fun activity in the morning and the evening with your kids! Talk about what you enjoyed that day and what you’re looking forward to on the rest of your vacation. Having more than one person involved with your brushing routine will give you and your family members more accountability and make you more likely to stick with it.
Find a Pediatric Dentist near You
Find a local pediatric dentist in your neighborhood so that you can properly prepare for a trip away from home. Your local pediatric dentist will be able to help your child establish healthy oral routines, and will offer the best advice to keep your kids’ teeth clean. Click here to find a pediatric dentist near you.