When you are planning a trip, your mind is usually on what to pack or what you’ll do once you arrive.
However, your teeth shouldn’t be forgotten just because you are away from home. Changes in what you eat, different time zones, and a busy schedule can make it easy for plaque to build up.
If you are getting ready for a big trip, visiting a dentist in Richmond Hill before you leave is a smart move. It helps you make sure there are no hidden cavities or loose fillings that could turn into a painful emergency while you are supposed to be having fun.
Packing the Right Gear for Your Trip
A great travel-friendly oral care routine starts with what you put in your suitcase. You don’t need to pack your whole bathroom, but having the right tools makes it much easier to keep your teeth clean while you are on the move.
- Travel-Sized Kits – Look for small tubes of toothpaste and a folding toothbrush that fits easily into your carry-on.
- A Vented Case – Always use a toothbrush cover with holes. If you put a wet brush in a sealed bag, it stays damp and can grow germs.
- Floss Picks – These are much easier to use in a tiny airplane bathroom or a moving car than regular string floss.
- Xylitol Gum – If you can’t brush right after a meal, chewing sugar-free gum helps clean your teeth by increasing saliva production to wash away food particles.
How to Keep Up Your Habits Anywhere
It is easy to get lazy with your teeth when you are on vacation, but keeping up with oral hygiene while traveling is the best way to avoid stains or toothaches. No matter where you are, in a hotel or a tent, you should still brush for two minutes, twice a day.
If you are travelling somewhere where you shouldn’t drink tap water, remember to use bottled water when you brush your teeth, too. This is a very important part of how to protect teeth while traveling in certain countries.
Even a tiny bit of bad water while rinsing can make you sick, so keep a bottle of water in the sink to remind yourself.
Eating and Drinking When on Vacation
Vacations usually mean lots of snacks and sweet treats. While you should definitely enjoy the local food, how often you snack can hurt your enamel.
Following a few dental care tips during vacations will help you enjoy your food without worrying about cavities.
- Drink Tons of Water – Water keeps your mouth moist and washes away the sugar from snacks.
- Pick Healthy Snacks – Cheese and nuts are great travel snacks because they aren’t sugary and actually help protect your teeth.
- The Water Swish – If you just ate something sugary and can’t brush, swish some plain water in your mouth to rinse the sugar away.
- Don’t Sip All Day – Try to drink your soda or juice in one go instead of taking small sips over hours. This gives your teeth a break from the acid.
What to Do if Something Goes Wrong
Even if you are careful, accidents happen. You might chip a tooth or lose a filling while you are far from home. Knowing what to do can keep you from panicking.
It is a good idea to look up a dentist near you at your vacation spot before you even leave home. If a tooth gets knocked out, put it in a small cup of milk and find a dentist right away.
If a filling falls out, most pharmacies sell “dental cement” that can cover the hole for a few days until you get back. Having a plan means a small problem won’t ruin your whole trip.
The Benefit of a Pre-Trip Checkup
The best way to stay healthy is to catch problems before they start. A quick visit to a professional before you go to the airport can give you peace of mind. They can check if any teeth might be sensitive to the air pressure changes on a plane.
When you visit, you can ask for more advice on how to protect teeth while traveling based on where you are going.
For example, if you are going on a cruise with lots of food, they might suggest a special mouthwash to help protect your enamel. Starting your trip with clean, healthy teeth means you can focus on making memories, not dealing with a toothache.
Enjoy Your Trip with a Great Smile
Traveling is one of the best things in life, and having a healthy smile makes it even better.
By packing the right gear and keeping an eye on what you eat, you can keep your teeth in great shape while you explore. It only takes a few minutes a day to keep your smile bright from start to finish.
At ToothMatters Dental, we want to help you get ready for your next big adventure. Our team is here to give you a checkup and the best tips for your trip.
Contact us today to book an appointment before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flying make my teeth hurt?
Yes, air can get trapped in a cavity or under an old filling. When the plane’s pressure changes, the air expands, which can cause sharp pain.
How do I keep my toothbrush clean while traveling?
Let it air dry before you put it in a case, and make sure to wash your travel case with soap once you get home.
What if I lose a filling in another country?
You can use a little bit of sugar-free gum or temporary wax from a drugstore to cover the spot until you can see a dentist.
Is it okay to stop flossing for a week?
It’s better not to! Plaque can harden into tartar very quickly, so try using easy floss picks while you’re away.