Vacation is the perfect opportunity to wind down, decompress, and put all your responsibilities on the back burner. However, there’s one thing you should never take breaks from – your oral health. If you neglect your teeth, you could easily end up with a damaged smile this summer. So, whether you’re hiking in the mountains or relaxing on the shore of an exotic beach, here are a few simple ways you can prevent dental emergencies while away from home.
Pack an Oral Hygiene Travel Kit
Since each day brings something different, it’s easy to stray away from your routine during your travels. Unfortunately, doing so can have lasting effects on your teeth. Brushing and flossing are critical practices that help prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease. Before you leave for vacation, do your smile a favor and pack an oral hygiene travel kit! Fill it with travel-sized essentials like a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and dental floss. Having your necessities within arm’s reach will make it much easier for you to stay on track while on the go.
Stay Hydrated
During summer, you may find yourself drinking more alcoholic or sugary drinks than usual. Even though it’s okay to enjoy these beverages in moderation, make sure you watch your intake and drink plenty of water to keep your mouth healthy. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your oral and bodily health! Water helps wash away harmful bacteria, neutralize acid, and stimulate healthy saliva production.
Wear a Mouthguard
Many of our favorite seasonal sports, such as swimming, biking, water polo, and water volleyball, can lead to serious dental injuries. That’s why it’s critical to wear a mouthguard when participating in full-contact activities! Otherwise, one blow to the face could result in chipped or cracked teeth, fractured roots, and cut lips. The mouthguard can prevent these accidents by protecting the teeth from impact and lowering your chances of severe damage.
Schedule a Checkup Before Departure
All it takes is a toothache or some jaw pain to put a wrench in your vacation plans. Avoid these mishaps by scheduling a dental checkup before departure. It will allow your dentist a chance to detect or treat any issues that can become complications down the line. Additionally, having dental work and concerns addressed before a long trip will make it less likely for your mouth to be a problem while away from home.
Prepare a Dental Emergency Kit
Be prepared to handle an unexpected dental emergency by keeping a kit with you that includes:
- Your dentist’s office and emergency phone number
- Gauze
- A clean handkerchief
- A sealable container
- Saline solution
Don’t let your oral health suffer at the expense of an exciting vacation. By taking proper safety measures, you can keep a healthy smile and get the most out of your much-needed time off!
About the Practice
Our team at Plush Family Dentistry makes sure your oral health needs always come first. We believe quality and precision are of utmost priority and have designed our dental offices and services with this in mind. We understand dental emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye, even during summer vacation. That’s why we offer same or next-day emergency appointments so you can get the care you need as soon as possible. Visit our website or call (469) 850-0786 to schedule a visit.