We all love vacations – a chance to get away from home and routine, to leave our responsibilities behind and have fun, and to simply unwind. There’s one thing you can’t forget to do when you’re on vacation, though: care for your teeth!
We’re only a month away from spring break here in New Albany, and many of you are probably starting to think about vacations and getaways at the end of March. Now is the perfect time to add a few dental care items to your preparation checklist!
We All Get A Bit Relaxed About Things
It’s easy to let things go a bit slack on vacation: we aren’t exactly heading to the sunny parts of the world to be responsible adults, are we? But it doesn’t take much for bacteria to set up shop and start causing some serious oral health problems!
Take a few precautions by planning ahead and following these suggestions. We’d love to place a filling or an implant for you, but we’d prefer to treat your healthy teeth!
Pack Extras
When it comes to packing your oral care supplies it never hurts to pack an extra brush, especially if you’re flying. You don’t want to be stuck without a toothbrush if one of your bags decides to take a different flight than you!
We also recommend packing your regular toothbrush and not a cheap travel one. Those often have harder bristles that can damage your enamel and gums. Pick up a toothbrush case from the drugstore and bring along your good old standby! Just make sure you don’t leave the case on once you arrive – they can be havens for bacteria!
Watch Your Diet
Indulgence and vacation: they go together perfectly. This often includes sweet foods, and a lot of them! Sugar starts an acid attack in your mouth that lasts a good half hour after you eat your last bite. During that time your enamel is softened and can be worn away, leading to the beginnings of cavities.
If your vacation is going to be an active one be sure to have a bottle of water around at all times too. Staying hydrated is an important part of oral health that can greatly lessen your chances of developing cavities. Saliva helps wash away acid, bacteria, and food particles, keeping your mouth clean and fresh. And hydration will just make you feel better, too. It’s the oil that keeps your body running smoothly!
Make Good On-The-Go Dental Choices
When you’re traveling it’s really easy to feel gross. Driving or flying are both sure fire ways to end up feeling stiff, yuck-mouthed, and dirty – it seems like it’s just part of life! It can be easy to end up reaching for a snack to make your mouth feel less swamp-like, but it’s all in what you’re eating and drinking whether or not you’ll do it harm!
Gum is a great way to freshen up when you can’t brush, but make sure it’s sugar free. Your best sweetening bet for gum is xylitol, a natural sweetener that’s not only sweeter than sugar, it’s actually good for your teeth! Xylitol kills bacteria and can actually help rebuild enamel just like fluoride. Do your mouth (and travel companions) a favor and pack some xylitol gum for your trip!
See Us Before You Leave
The last souvenir you want to bring home from your trip is a cavity or a toothache. To be sure you’re at your dental health peak you should make an appointment to see us before you leave town. A preventive checkup could help identify problems early and give you a jump start on a bacteria-free mouth!
We’ll make sure you’re prepared for spring break with a comprehensive exam that covers all the bases. It’s better to be safe than sorry – a dental care mishap could ruin your trip!
All Ready To Go?
Even if you’re sure you are ready for a week of fun it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Don’t slack on your oral care habits, make sure you’re properly packed, and take care of yourself while you’re away: your teeth will thank you when you get home!
Take one last pit stop at New Albany Implants to be sure you’re ready for vacation: call us today at (812) 945-7645! You can also request an appointment by filling out our online form. We look forward to seeing you soon!