The holiday season is a great time of year to reunite with friends and family who live in distant places. The weather, decorations, and festivities make it a time to make new memories while also remembering the joys of prior years. While it’s a wonderful thing to visit loved ones who live out of town, it can sometimes be difficult to stay on top of an excellent oral hygiene regimen when you’re on the road. Here are a few tips from your dentist to make oral hygiene a breeze during all your holiday travels.
Check In with Your Dentist a Few Weeks Before You Leave
It’s never a bad idea to schedule a dentist’s appointment a few weeks before your vacation. The sudden onset of a splitting toothache can ruin any good time, and a dental exam can catch and treat tooth decay before it gets to that point. Scheduling the appointment a few weeks out will give you time for any necessary follow-up appointments. Your teeth will also be freshly cleaned so they look great in any holiday photography.
While seeing the dentist before vacation can prevent many dental emergencies, it’s always possible that one will happen anyway. You might want to ask your dentist if they can recommend any emergency dental care providers at your destination. This way, they can set up a line of communication in case you suffer a dental injury while away.
Take Good Care of Your Toothbrush
A toothbrush is a crucial part of a proper oral hygiene routine, but people don’t usually give much thought to keeping it clean while they travel. Many a traveler will simply throw their wet toothbrush into a toiletries bag. This can provide bacteria with a dark, damp, sheltered sort of environment that allows them to multiply rapidly. Take care to let your toothbrush thoroughly dry before storing it, or at least remember to take it out so it can finish drying as soon as you reach your next destination. Clean and sanitize your toiletries bag before your trip.
Mind the Sugary Beverages
If you’re bored at an airport or cruising for hours on a highway, your mind will probably think about a sweet beverage to enjoy while time goes by. Unfortunately, it can be far too easy to drink too much soda, sweet tea, and other sugary drinks while on the road. Stick with drinking water and maintaining proper oral hygiene and your teeth will stay healthy for the long haul.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Dann earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Toronto in 1978 before completing a postgraduate dental internship at Toronto General Hospital in 1979. He is proud to be a member of the Ontario Dental Association, the Canadian Academy of Dental Anaesthesia, and the Toronto Central Dental Society. His office in Toronto, ON offers preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. For more information on caring for your teeth during your holiday travels, contact his office online or dial (647) 559-3176.
