Planning a summer vacation this year? Whether you want to visit friends in a different city or explore a new location, traveling will involve a great deal of preparation. As you consider what to bring on your upcoming trip, do not forget to consider oral hygiene throughout the vacation.
We incorporate brushing our teeth and flossing into our regular daily routines. But plaque and other dangers to our smiles will not take a break just because we want to relax on vacation.
You can better adhere to a beneficial oral hygiene routine when you take steps to factor this practice into your vacation ahead of your departure. Read on to find advice from your dentist that can ensure you stick to good oral hygiene habits while you travel this summer.
Keep Oral Hygiene Supplies Handy
When packing, you may remember that toiletries you use daily, including oral hygiene supplies like your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, belong at the top of your list. However, if you tuck these items deep into your suitcase, you may have trouble reaching them when you need them.
For instance, if you might not have access to your luggage when it is checked on a long flight or locked in a hotel room while you explore. For this reason, you will want to keep travel-sized oral hygiene supplies with you.
You can keep a pocket-sized toothbrush in a purse. And small floss picks can tuck easily into your pockets. This way, you will not miss out on necessary oral hygiene due to accessibility issues.
Pack Smile-Friendly Snacks
You likely plan to visit specific restaurants or enjoy a home-cooked meal with loved ones during your vacation. But you should also consider snacking options between these meals if you want to maintain good oral health. Certain snacks can prove useful for your oral hygiene.
Crunchy foods like nuts can scrape plaque build-up from your teeth while you chew. This way, you can clean your smile while you eat. Enhanced oral hygiene will reduce your risk of cavities and other dental dangers.
Packing these types of snacks before you leave for your trip will ensure you do not cave into bad habits. You can better resist cravings for sugary treats, which can hurt your teeth, when you keep more smile-friendly snacks with you.
Drink Plenty of Water
Another way you can boost oral hygiene while on vacation is by drinking plenty of water. You will need to drink at least eight glasses of water each day to stay hydrated. And during hot summer weather, you may need to replenish water in your body even more.
You might not realize that dehydration can lead to oral health issues like dry mouth as well. Dry mouth can encourage the spread of oral bacteria, which can give you bad breath while also heightening your risk of gum disease.
Drinking water will keep you hydrated, staving off dry mouth. Plus, a sip of water can rinse your smile, eliminating harmful residues before your next oral hygiene regimen. Learn more about maximizing oral hygiene while you travel when you consult your dentist.