As the holiday season ramps up, you’ll likely do some traveling. Perhaps you’ll drive to visit family or take a plane to a vacation spot. Despite this hustle, though, you shouldn’t forget about oral care. Your year-end smile will suffer otherwise. Luckily, you can learn how to care for your teeth during holiday travels. Your Tukwila dentist will even share some guidance. So, here are four ways to keep a healthy grin amidst your holiday journeys.
See a Dentist Before Your Trip
When traveling, the last thing you want is a dental emergency. An urgent oral issue on a plane or car ride is very unpleasant. Given this fact, visit your local dentist before your trip.
You see, a pre-trip checkup lowers your risk of later tooth troubles. It fixes your minor dental problems before they worsen. As such, a quick dentist visit can make travel less painful. Plus, the checkup will strengthen your grin against future holiday eating.
Pack a Dental Travel Kit
Even if you’re away from home, oral hygiene doesn’t take breaks. It’s vital that you clean your teeth daily. Therefore, make sure to pack a dental travel kit for your trip.
In particular, your kit should include the following:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush
- Travel-sized toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
By using these items daily, your teeth will stay clean and (relatively) plaque-free. You’ll then be less likely to develop tooth decay or gum disease.
Go Easy on Sweet Treats
Around the winter holidays, you may want to indulge in sweets. These treats can range from candy canes and peppermints to gingerbread cookies. Still, try to restrain yourself and only have these items occasionally.
Remember, sugar-filled foods are bad for teeth. They attract harmful bacteria that erode your enamel. If you eat too many of them, you’ll suffer from tooth decay and cavities. The gathered bacteria might even infect your gums.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
For some holiday trips, you might get stuck on a long-haul flight. This scenario may stop you from brushing your teeth for a while. In that case, chew some sugar-free gum.
Naturally, gum isn’t as good as a toothbrush. The latter does more to clean your smile. Even so, chewing gum will stimulate your mouth’s saliva flow. Lingering bits of food and plaque will then get washed away.
Ultimately, you should know how to care for your teeth during holiday travels. That being the case, memorize the tips above!
About the Practice
Advanced Dental Treatment Center is based in Greenfield, WI. Led by Drs. Carini and Farr, our practice strives to give each patient a dreamy smile. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options, as well as emergency dental care. Our team also provides sedation services and TMJ therapy as needed. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (414)-209-7465.