Do you have plans to get away from it all this summer? Whether you are heading to the coast for some relaxing time on the beach, or you are escaping for an adventure in the mountains, you should spare some time to think about your oral health before you take off. This blog post contains practical and simple tips to keep your smile healthy during summer vacation.
Visit Your Dentist
Before you leave, it would be wise to visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. They will examine your mouth and alert you to any developing oral health issues. If you have any minor problems, like a small cavity, you might have enough time to get them treated prior to your vacation. Your diligence can prevent a dental emergency while you are away from home.
Pack the Essentials
Regardless of where you go (even if you are roughing it at a campsite), you should try to stick to your normal oral hygiene routine. To that end, you should be sure to pack:
- A toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Any special items that you may need to care for dentures, braces, or other oral appliances
Be Mindful of Your Food and Beverage Choices
Vacations usually involve an abundance of delicious food. Of course, you should feel free to indulge your taste buds. However, you should still be mindful of how your choices may affect your teeth. Here are a few tips that could prove helpful:
- Be sure to drink plenty of water. This is especially important after you consume a sugary cocktail, glass of lemonade, or other beverages that might damage your teeth. Also, try to be wise about the water you drink. In some locations, it is beneficial to drink tap water because it contains fluoride. In other places (such as some less-developed countries), the tap water is unsafe and you should stick to bottled options.
- Minimize snacking. If you are vacationing somewhere with a buffet (as is common on cruise ships), it can be tempting to snack all day long. It would be better for your teeth to keep snacking to a minimum and consume most of your calories at your three main meals.
- Ask questions. If you are an adventurous eater, you might be trying some exotic dishes during your vacation. Be sure you know what you are eating so you do not accidentally bite down on something hard and damage your teeth.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
If you encounter an oral health problem during your vacation, you should see a dentist ASAP. If you are still within the U.S. or another affluent country, it should be easy to find a dentist by using Google. However, if you are in a remote location or a less-developed country, it might be more difficult to find a trustworthy care provider. Your hotel concierge or your travel insurance company might be able to assist you.
Don’t let summer vacation damage your smile! Use the tips in this article to keep your teeth in good shape while you are away from home.
Meet the Practice
The experienced, highly skilled team at Brookside Dental Care is proud to provide preventive and restorative services to the Prestonsburg community. If you have questions about how to care for your teeth while you are on summer vacation, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 606-874-9311.