
Good Teeth & Gum Health is not easy to maintain, especially while traveling. Dental issues are the least of your concerns as per Geeks Health Review. You’re on a long-awaited vacation and want to relax and have fun or it’s a business trip and you have a lot on your mind.
Excited as taking the trip may be, it is important to care for your oral health to prevent dental problems. However, traveling can disrupt your oral hygiene and affect your oral health if you are not careful.
Find five ways that traveling can affect your dental health in the section that follows and the dental care practices that can help you maintain your dental health while traveling.
- Unhealthy Food Choices
You may want to try out new and different cuisines when traveling. If you are on holiday, you probably want to go to fancy restaurants and take your palate on an exciting journey.
However, not all your treats may be healthy. You may pick up cookies and candies when you stop for a bathroom break. Food and drinks at the restaurant may be acidic. All these are not good for your teeth and may cause gum diseases or tooth decay.
Dental Care Practice: Choose healthy snacks and foods that are better for your Teeth & Gum Health. Instead of cookies, carry fruits and veggies like baby carrots.
If you can’t resist unhealthy food choices, rinse your mouth with water after every meal. Another tip is to use a straw when drinking acidic or sugary beverages so to minimize contact with your teeth.
- Dental Emergencies
Having a dental emergency while on the road is sure to dull your travel experience. You may get a toothache if you’re on the plane with the changes in air pressure. Your child’s tooth may get knocked out and you may experience some swelling.
Since you are far from your trusted dentist, getting help may be out of question.
Dental Care Practice: See your dentist before traveling and explain the nature of your travel. He or she may help you know what to expect in case of any emergency.
Additionally, your dentist can recommend great dental clinics and professionals around your travel destination.
- Dehydration
Whether you travel by road or air, dehydration is something that you’ve experienced. With low water and natural saliva, both of which help wash food particles, you are more likely to experience a dry mouth.
Dental Care Practice: Drink plenty of water and bring along a full water bottle. This helps to help stimulate saliva production. You can also carry sugar-free chewing gum. Avoid alcoholic drinks since they may cause dehydration.
- Disrupted Routine
At home, you do your brushing and flossing like clockwork. However, your dental care routine can get disrupted while on the road. Traveling across different time zones may make it hard to determine when you last brushed your teeth.
Dental Care Practice: Carry a dental hygiene kit packed with a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste. Also, you can set alarms to remind you when to brush. To make it easier, consider brushing after each meal.
- Rushed Care
Finding a place to brush your teeth when traveling is difficult. When you do find one, it may not be private and you may feel you need to brush quickly.
Dental Care Practice: Set a timer and find a good place to brush your teeth thoroughly with no pressure. After all, it only takes two minutes for a good brushing. Finish with flossing.
Conclusion
Follow the care practices above to keep your teeth and gums healthy while having a fun traveling experience. You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.