Now that November has arrived, you may be eagerly planning your travel itinerary for the coming holiday season. Whether you plan to drive cross-country to visit friends and family back home or are hopping on a plane to explore a faraway land, you’ll still need to care for your smile to avoid potential problems.
If you’re unsure of the best way to protect your teeth and gums while you’re away from home this autumn, continue reading to learn 3 tips that can help you keep your grin in excellent condition!
Tip #1: Pack the Essentials
Whether you’re heading to a friend’s place for a few days or decide to travel abroad for a lengthier vacation, cleaning your mouth can be a simple and effective way to prevent oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease. Depending on where you’re headed, you may or may not be able to easily purchase the right supplies when you arrive.
Thankfully, it’s easy to find travel-size items, like a toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, and container of floss, that fit easily into your luggage. Taking the time to pack all the right supplies ensures you’ll have what you need to keep plaque and bacteria at bay while you’re away from home.
Tip #2: Stick to Your Routine
Many people can stick to a consistent oral hygiene routine when they’re surrounded by what’s comfortable and familiar. For instance, you likely brush and floss your teeth at similar times every day as you get ready for your usual activities and routines, or as you prepare for bed in the evening.
However, you may have challenges maintaining your twice-daily brushing and flossing regimen if you’re crossing time zones for the holidays. Doing your best to maintain your regular schedule can help you keep your mouth clean. If you’re feeling foggy-headed from jet lag, you might forget to scrub your pearly whites, but setting a reminder on your smartphone can help you remember.
Tip #3: Get a Checkup Before You Go
Did you know that you can develop cavities or periodontal problems and not know? It’s easy to assume that if you don’t see any immediate concerns, your mouth must be perfectly healthy, but that’s not always the case. Decay and disease can develop between your teeth or behind your molars, where they remain hidden until your next dental exam.
If it’s been a while since your last checkup and cleaning, you may want to schedule one before leaving town. This allows your provider to address any areas of concern, such as thinning enamel or swollen gums, so you know your smile is clean and healthy before heading out.
By taking a few preventive precautions, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re unlikely to have a dental emergency when you’re away from home for the holidays!
Meet the Author
Dr. Nabeel Ahmed enjoys helping families in Ontario build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He graduated from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry from Western University, and continues to pursue ongoing educational opportunities to offer the most current treatments using state-of-the-art technology. If you’re planning on traveling over the holidays and want a checkup before you go, you can request an appointment on the website or call (416) 551-5224.