21 September 2022
Depending on where you go and the nature of the trip, travelling can be wonderfully relaxing or terribly hectic. While travelling, we also tend to be very focused on the itinerary and lose sight of our daily routines like brushing and flossing. If you are the jet-setting sort, it does pay to keep a close eye on your dental health even while adjusting to different time zones and eating habits. And there are simple ways to make sure that your teeth and gums are well maintained even when you’re far away from home.
Here are some easy ways of managing your dental health on the go:
Don’t leave home without your oral kit
Don’t forget to bring along a travel oral case that contains all the necessary oral care items. Basic items include your toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and dental floss. If there’s enough space, throw in a tongue scrapper and sugar free gum or mints. Make sure your travel kit is portable and easy to pack away!
Keep your toothbrush clean
Keep your toothbrush free from contamination by taking it out of the travel kit once you check in to the hotel room. Stand it upright in a stand or cup, and where possible, cover the toothbrush head with a brush head cap. If you don’t have the brush head cap, remember to dry out your brush to prevent bacteria from breeding on the brush head.
Don’t stop your home oral care routines
No matter how often you hear this, there’s still a chance you may want to give yourself a break from your regular routines! After all, you’re on holiday, right? Unfortunately, plaque and bacteria do not take breaks. Keep brushing twice a day, rinsing your mouth and flossing daily. These daily oral care routines go a long way towards maintaining your oral hygiene and minimising future dental health risks.
Drink lots of water
Dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath and can increase the risk of tooth decay. There is a tendency to drink less water away from home. Make sure you keep bottles of plain water nearby so as to stay well hydrated throughout your trip. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps your mouth moist at all times, it also helps to flush away food particles, microorganisms and unwanted toxins from your mouth and body.
Maintain a tooth-friendly diet
Remember to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables on your travels. Fibre-rich foods like, apples and broccoli are not only easily available in many countries, and they help to neutralize acids and enzymes in the mouth. Drinking beverages like black tea or green tea also help as they contain substances that kill the bacterial growth in the mouth. While it may be tempting, try to keep away from sweet and starchy foods, as they are the main culprits behind tooth decay. Last thing you need is a toothache for a travel companion!
Looking for a dentist to jumpstart a healthy oral hygiene programme? Contact one of our friendly centres today.
