The holiday season includes some of the heaviest travel days of the year. While it’s a great idea to take some time off to go see relatives in distant locations, tooth decay and gum disease do not go on vacation. It’s crucial that you still practice oral hygiene when on the road, but it can be hard to keep up with cleaning your teeth while traveling between destinations and living out of your luggage. Here are a few tips to help keep your teeth happy, healthy, and strong while on vacation.
Make a Few Dental Arrangements Ahead of Time
It’s a great idea to see your dentist a few weeks before you intend to travel. This allows your dentist to thoroughly examine and clean your teeth while correcting problems in their early stages when you probably wouldn’t notice them. By scheduling your appointment a few weeks out, you can have time for follow-up appointments if needed.
Scheduling a dentist appointment before traveling can save you the pain of a dental emergency on the road, but it’s still a great idea to research dentist’s offices as your destination ahead of time. You may want to ask your dentist for a recommendation. This way, if anything does happen on the road, you know where to turn to for emergency dental care.
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean and Dry
Many people throw their toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss in a toiletries bag when they travel without much thought to how clean the bag is. Without proper cleaning, the dark, damp interior of a toiletries bag can be an ideal environment for rapidly multiplying bacteria. Before you pack your dental hygiene kit, clean and disinfect your toiletries bag.
If possible, avoid packing your toothbrush wet, as the moisture will help germs multiply. Dry it out before storing it in your luggage. If you have to pack your toothbrush wet, make a habit of taking it out first thing when you get to your destination so it has time to dry before you use it. Otherwise, you may just want to bring a few disposable toothbrushes with you.
Traveling during the holiday season can create memories that last a lifetime, but you don’t want one of those memories to be a nasty toothache. By keeping these tips in mind, your holiday travels can be hygienic as well as memorable.
About the Author
Dr. Jake D. Weissich earned his dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry before undergoing a one-year residency at the Community Regional Medical Center and the Fresno VA Hospital. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. His office in Fresno, CA offers general, pediatric, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. To schedule an appointment for before your next voyage, contact the office online or dial (559) 431-9104.