- Pack your toothbrush and toothpaste…or have a backup plan
- Transporting your toothbrush
- Stay hydrated
- Opt for healthy snacks
- Be careful with tap water
- Keep your regular oral hygiene routine
- Bring your dentist’s contact information
- Know how to handle dental emergencies
Let’s face it: Torontonians love to travel! Whether enjoying a respite from the city at the cottage, driving to see fall colours, or jumping on a plane to an exotic locale, there’s nothing like taking a break from your usual routine.
But wait! There’s one routine you still have to follow when you’re on vacation: your oral hygiene plan. Tooth and gum health never takes a holiday, so oral care should still be a priority when you travel.
Check out our dental hygiene tips for travellers to help you maintain optimal oral health when away from home:
Pack your toothbrush and toothpaste…or have a backup plan
This might sound like a no-brainer, but there is a lot to prepare when going on a trip. It is understandable if you forget to pack one or two items, even if one of them is your toothbrush. Until you can get to a store to buy a new, soft-bristled toothbrush, there are a couple of things you can do to keep your teeth clean without one.
For example, you can vigorously rinse your mouth with water to help wash away food particles and cavity-causing bacteria. Another approach is to put some toothpaste on a clean washcloth or a clean finger to rub gently on your teeth and gums and thoroughly rinsing afterward.
If you remember your toothbrush but not toothpaste, continue brushing regularly with tap water until you can get some. Brushing without toothpaste is still better than not brushing at all.
Transporting your toothbrush
Be sure your toothbrush is completely dry before packing it in a closed environment. A wet toothbrush in a case, holder, or sandwich bag can promote bacteria growth within the bristles. If you must pack it wet, be sure to clean your brush and let it air dry as soon as you arrive at your destination.
Stay hydrated
Air travel can be dehydrating, leading to dry mouth, which can promote overgrowth of oral bacteria. You can reduce the risk of cavities and keep your mouth comfortable by hydrating frequently during your trip. Water is the best choice for oral care, as fruit juice, soda pop, “sports” drinks, and alcohol all contain sugar, which is detrimental to oral health.
Opt for healthy snacks
It’s good to have snacks handy when on a long car ride or waiting for a connecting flight. However, it is always best to pack tooth-healthy food such as nuts, fruits, and cheese instead of sugary treats that can harm your oral health, especially if you are unable to brush right away after snacking.
After your snack, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth and neutralizes acids.
Be careful with tap water
We’re pretty lucky in Toronto to have safe, clean drinking water. However, the water in some locales may be treated differently—or not at all—potentially exposing you to harmful microorganisms. The result can be stomach upset and other unpleasant effects that can ruin your vacation.
Brush and rinse with bottled or purified water to keep your teeth clean with peace of mind. If you accidentally get local tap water on your brush, you may decide to throw it away and buy a new one.
Keep your regular oral hygiene routine
Be sure to stick to your regular brushing and flossing routine when travelling, just as if you were still at home. This includes brushing at least twice daily and flossing once daily.
If there is a chance you might forget to brush or floss because you’re having too much fun, setting a reminder on your phone can give you a gentle nudge to take care of your oral health.
Bring your dentist’s contact information
Your dental team is your partner in tooth and gum health, whether you’re around the corner or across the world. Should you have an oral health care issue, have your dentist’s contact information handy so they can do a quick assessment over the phone.
They will be able to recommend whether you need to seek emergency dental care right away or if the situation can wait to be resolved upon your return. Your dentist can also provide advice for short-term treatment to protect the area from further damage.
Know how to handle dental emergencies
If you need emergency dental assistance and are overseas, contact the local Canadian consulate or embassy for a recommendation of trustworthy local dentists. The hotel concierge or local taxi driver might not give you the best recommendation as they may simply be driving business to a friend or relative.
You can also research reputable dental offices at your vacation destination before you leave home so you’re well-prepared with trusted resources if you need them. Be sure to follow up with a visit to your family dentist when you return home.
Get a complete dental examination before you leave
The most important travel oral care tip is to take care of dental issues before they can become a severe problem while travelling. The best way to do this is to schedule a thorough examination with your family dentist.
Before you book your trip, visit Yonge Eglinton Dental. Our team of dental healthcare specialists will conduct a thorough assessment and give you travel oral care advice so you can show off a bright, beautiful smile in your vacation pictures.
Prepare for your trip with travel oral health care from the experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Whether packing your bags for business or pleasure, the team of dental professionals at Yonge Eglinton Dental will help you maintain strong, healthy teeth while travelling. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
