If you plan to visit family or take a vacation during the holidays, don’t forget to consider your oral health. While you may intend to relax, plaque will not take a break from causing dental damage as you travel.
Careful planning of your oral hygiene routine for your upcoming trip can maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Dr. Justin Deckard, a dentist practicing in Washington, DC, offers three tips for keeping your mouth clean while you travel.
Keep Oral Hygiene Tools Handy
As you prepare for an upcoming trip, you will likely include your oral hygiene supplies, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, at the top of your packing list. However, keeping these tools in your luggage could mean you do not always have access to them.
For instance, if your bags are checked during a long airplane flight or stowed in a hotel room while you sightsee, you will not have tools on hand to clean your teeth. Floss in your pocket or purse could help you stay on top of your oral hygiene routine while you are on the go.
Strategize Healthy Snack Choices
Holiday-centered or location-specific meals might be one of the highlights of your scheduled travels. But you should also plan your snack time so that you can choose foods that will not harm your smile during your trip.
It can be easy to cave and consume sugary or acidic snacks that could erode tooth enamel and leave your smile vulnerable to cavities and other issues. Consider hard-textured, fibrous snacks for your trip, like nuts or carrot sticks, which have the added benefit of removing excess plaque from your teeth and boosting oral hygiene.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water keeps you healthy, and this is true for your smile as well. You should stay hydrated during your vacation to avoid unpleasant dry mouth, which can heighten your risk of contracting oral infections like gum disease.
Periodontal disease could lead to severe and irreversible dental problems like tooth loss if left untreated. To reduce the chances of developing this issue, you should continue to drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water daily during your vacation.
Learn More from Your Dentist in Washington, DC
DC Precision Dentistry offers both preventative and emergency dental care for patients of all ages. Dr. Deckard is a highly trained dentist in Washington, DC who specializes in general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry. To schedule an appointment or consultation with our practice, contact our team online or reach our office by phone at 202.851.7554.