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- Spring break is a lot of fun, but you don’t want to neglect your teeth. Remember to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
- Disposable dental products are excellent options for travel teeth cleaning.
- If time is tight and you can’t fit in teeth brushing, try alternatives like rinsing your mouth with water or chewing sugarless gum.
- Some foods are better than others when it comes to your teeth. Avoid acidic and sugary foods if you know you won’t be able to brush. Choose crunchy foods and raw veggies to help promote good oral health on Spring Break.
- In case of a dental emergency, be sure to have your dentist’s number handy and consider taking a dental emergency kit with you on spring break.
It’s that time of year again! Spring Break 2019 is here and that means fun, adventure, and more fun! Just don’t forget to care for your teeth while you’re out riding waves, hiking the woods, or taking a relaxing staycation in your own backyard. These Spring Break tips for keeping up with your dental care will keep you smiling for the entire vacation!
What Dental Products To Pack for Spring Break 2019
Whether you’re an early packer or throwing your belongings in a bag ten minutes before you walk out the door, don’t forget dental care products. Spring break is all about the fun, but you don’t want to neglect your teeth in the process. Pack the essentials so you can preserve your smile for those happy spring break pictures!
- Obviously, pack a toothbrush! A resealable plastic bag is a great option for keeping it separate from the rest of your belongings to prevent contamination. Remember that your toothbrush needs to air dry after you use it.
- You should still floss daily to keep up with your regular routine.
- Mouthwash comes in travel sizes and helps fight bad breath.
- Dental insurance card and your dentist’s contact information in case of an emergency.
- If you’re traveling somewhere remote, you may want to consider adding a dental emergency kit to your spring break packing list. While the kits are generally inexpensive, they can save you a lot of pain and trouble down the line.
The Benefit of Disposable Dental Products
Disposable dental products are excellent for travelers because they tend to be packaged compactly and are tossed after use. When selecting a travel disposable toothbrush, consider options that have additional features built in so you can pack lighter. For example, many disposable toothbrushes come with toothpaste on them, so you don’t have to pack a tube of toothpaste. Others have toothpicks at the end to dislodge debris and some don’t need to be rinsed before you use them. If you really want to make packing easy this spring break, pick up a dental travel kit with all the essentials in one small package.
Supplementing Your Oral Care When You’re on the Go
Traveling is exciting and fun, but it can mean lost luggage and damaged or forgotten items. Preparing for dental care on the go is quick and easy. If you arrive at your destination and realize you’ve forgotten your toothbrush, don’t sweat it! Rinse your mouth with water to wash away some of the bacteria and debris. You can also use toothpaste on a clean washcloth or your finger to brush until you can get to a store for a replacement.
Another way to care for your teeth when you can’t brush is to chew sugarless gum after eating or drinking. Chewing sugarless gum keeps saliva moving around your mouth which will wash away bacteria and debris.
If you’re vacationing somewhere with questionable water, brush with bottled water. Be sure to rinse your toothbrush with the bottled water as well to avoid contaminating your toothbrush.
Foods to Eat and Avoid
Not all foods are created equal and some may do you more harm than good if you aren’t able to brush as often as usual. Choose foods with essential vitamins and minerals like cheese, yogurt, lean meats, seafood, and leafy greens. Avoid sugary foods and those that are highly acidic if you know you won’t be able to brush right away. If you do choose to splurge since it is vacation, brush and floss as soon as possible to preserve your pearly whites!
What to do in Case of a Dental Emergency
Keep your dentist’s number handy when you travel. If you have a dental emergency, call your dentist. A lot of issues can be resolved, even temporarily, over the phone and they may be able to tell you what to do for your dental emergency so you can keep vacationing.
If you’re really concerned or looking to be extra cautious, consider purchasing dental insurance for travelers. In the event something happens, like an infection, that requires immediate dental care, you will be reimbursed.
Before You Leave for Spring Break
It’s always a good idea to get a check-up before you leave, especially if you’re worried something could be amiss. Make an appointment at the Jefferson Dental Care Clinic nearest you for a check-up before you go. Put your dental concerns to rest and get a teeth cleaning before you hit the road this spring break.
Additional Sources:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/travel-tips
