When you are traveling, whether it is for work or for pleasure, falling out of one’s normal routine and schedule can often lead to a disruption of one’s normal activities, especially those that are related to one’s healthy habits. When you are thrown into a different environment focusing your attention can be difficult to continue with, your workout regimens, your diet, and your oral hygiene routines. However, if you are planning on traveling you should try and make a plan ahead of time in order to stay on top of your health, including your dental health.
As it can be difficult upon arrival to uphold your routines, a lot of the time the transition process can end up being the most difficult when it comes to sticking to your normal dental habits and routine. Regardless of if you are on a plane, train, or in an automobile, it is important to make a plan for oral hygiene and to not disregard your teeth and keeping them clean.
As recommended by a Las Colinas dentist, follow these tips to ensure you maintain a healthy mouth while traveling…
#1 Grab a travel sized dental kit
Your best option is to bring along a travel-sized dental kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. It will easily fit in your purse or carry-on bag, or in the glove compartment of your car. Make it a rule to brush after a meal on the plane or at rest stops on your road trip.
#2 Store your toothbrush properly
When grabbing your travel-sized dental kit, make sure you have a case that you can store your toothbrush properly. Properly means a mesh bag or a toothbrush head cover with holes. If your toothbrush head can’t breathe, it creates for the perfect environment for bacteria to build up and reside.
#3 Carry a bottle of water with you
Carry a water bottle with you when you travel. This way you can use the water when you brush your teeth in case you don’t have access to running water. Water also comes in handy if you find yourself without any oral cleaning utensils. Although this isn’t the recommended route, if you find yourself without a toothbrush, etc., swish some water around in your mouth after eating to help dislodge any excess food particles that may be stuck in your teeth.
#4 Pick up some wisps before your trip
Wisps are like little miniature toothbrushes combined with toothpicks and a mint. Carry some with you to make sure you can clean your teeth after eating on a trip.
#5 Choose your snacks carefully
If you are traveling and know that you won’t have access to your normal hygienic areas or teeth cleaning utensils, then you should be extra careful about what you eat. Stay away from sugar as wells as foods that are chewy and could get stuck in your teeth.
#6 Bring some sugar-free gum along
Chewing sugar-free gum helps your mouth to produce healthy saliva, which is necessary for natural mouth cleaning. Grab a piece after each meal if you can’t get to a toothbrush yet.
When it comes to dental care in Las Colinas, you want to go somewhere who has your best interest in mind. Contact us today for an appointment.
