Summertime travel is more popular than ever. Do you have plans to escape from it all during this sunny season? Whether you want to relax at a resort or go exploring in the wilderness, you should take a moment to consider your oral wellness before you leave for your trip. What can you do to maintain a healthy smile during summer vacation? Here are five useful tips:
Visit Your Dentist
If it has been six months or longer since your last preventive dental appointment, now is the time to book a visit. Your dentist can let you know if you have any minor oral health problems that have the potential to develop into an emergency. You may have time to get such issues treated before you leave for your vacation.
Pack the Essentials
Small items, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss, often get left behind when people go on vacation. To make sure you have everything you need to maintain a clean and fresh smile, consider purchasing a separate oral hygiene kit that is exclusively for travel. You can tuck it into your suitcase well before you take off.
Drink Plenty of Water
It is common for people to get dehydrated when they travel. The excitement of a new adventure can disrupt your routine and make you forget to drink enough water. Keep in mind that a dry mouth creates a perfect environment for bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. Do your best to sip on plenty of water throughout each day, especially if your vacation will include a lot of physical activities, such as hiking or water sports.
Minimize Snacking
For many people, food is a major highlight of any vacation. Of course, you should feel free to explore all of the local flavors at your destination. However, try to consume most of your calories at your three main meals each day. Doing so will minimize the amount of time that your teeth are exposed to acid attacks that could weaken your enamel.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
You will probably not run into any emergency dental problems during your vacation. If something does go wrong, however, you should know where to turn for help. If you are in the U.S. or another well-developed country, you may be able to find a reputable dental practice by using Google or another search engine. In less-developed lands, you might have to ask your travel insurance or hotel concierge for advice.
Your summer vacation should be a relaxing, happy time! Use the above tips to protect your smile while you are enjoying your getaway.
Meet the Practice
The oral health experts at Gillis Dental proudly provide preventive, restorative, and emergency care in a welcoming environment. If it is time for your next checkup or you simply have questions about how to protect your teeth and gums, we would love to speak with you. Contact our Needham dental office at 781-202-6257.