Summer is here! Time to go to the beach and barbecue and take a vacation! When you pack your bags for your summer getaway, don’t forget your oral health care. Here are a few oral health tips for your summer travel from your friends at FDA!
A Traveling Toothbrush
If you’re flying somewhere this summer, pack your toothbrush and floss in your carry-on bag so you have it on hand even if your luggage doesn’t make it to your final destination right away. That way, you also have the option to brush your teeth on the airplane or during layovers to freshen up. We recommend packing your toothbrush in a plastic bag so you can keep it separate from other items. Just remember to let your toothbrush air dry when you get to your vacation spot.
If you find yourself temporarily without a toothbrush, a vigorous swish with water can help clear some of the cavity-causing bacteria, or put some toothpaste on your clean finger for a quick cleaning. Then, when you are able, pop over to a store and look for the softest toothbrush you can find. If you can find a toothbrush that is ADA approved, even better! Now, how do you say toothbrush in Spanish?
Pack Some ADA-Approved Gum
Don’t worry – sugarless gum won’t take up much room in your suitcase! Research shows that chewing sugarless gum after a meal can help prevent cavities by stimulating saliva, which helps wash away cavity-causing bacteria. Look for gum that has the ADA seal of approval. Not only will it support your oral health and freshen your breath, if you’re flying, sugarless gum may also come in handy for releasing ear pressure on the airplane. Win-win!
Brush with Bottled Water
If you are camping or traveling somewhere where the water supply is not safe for drinking, use bottled water for brushing your teeth and rinsing your toothbrush. This will help prevent any unwanted illness while you’re sight-seeing!
In Case of Dental Emergencies
You can always contact our office if you have a dental emergency while traveling. Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos can help assess if it is a situation that requires immediate attention or can wait until you get back home. Of course, the best way to limit tooth-aches while traveling is to practice preventative care with a solid oral health routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day!
If you are planning a trip for later in the summer and have concerns about your oral health or are experiencing any kind of tooth pain, come and see us before you hop on an airplane. That way we can make sure any issues don’t become larger problems while you’re trying to relax and have fun.
When you get home from your travels, you may realize you let go of some of your oral hygiene routine. Don’t stress about it too much, but focus on getting back to your normal routine of brushing, flossing, and coming in for regular check ups with the FDA team. Summer is also a great time to get your kids in for their appointments! Give our office a call if you need to schedule an appointment – 207.781.5900.
