It’s coming up to the height of vacation season, and we know many patients are looking forward to going away. However, even on vacation, it’s essential not to take a break from your oral care. Make sure your teeth remain in tiptop condition with these easy travel tips.

Schedule Your Checkup

We are passionate about preventative dentistry in Newcastle, which is why we thoroughly recommend regular dental examinations. When you come and see us at six monthly intervals, we can often spot many problems before you feel anything is wrong. If you are due for a checkup, make sure you come and see us before you go away. You will gain peace of mind, and it ensures we have the most up-to-date information about your dental health, including x-rays.

Keep Our Contact Details Handy

We realize you might be far from home, but if you do have a dental emergency while you are away, our dentist in Clarington might be able to offer some useful advice over the phone or by email. Sometimes it is hard to know when something needs immediate treatment or when it could wait until you get home. Also, if needed, we can schedule an appointment for you as soon as you get back, leaving you to enjoy your vacation.

Pack Your Toothbrush Properly

Make sure your toothbrush is in a well-ventilated travel container that has holes for drainage. Give the case a good clean before and after your travel, as approximately a third of travellers will never clean their toothbrush case! It is essential for your toothbrush to dry in a well-ventilated area as moist environments allow bacteria to thrive, so once you get to your destination, store it upright and well away from other toothbrushes.

Pack Travel-Sized Oral Hygiene Products in Your Hand Luggage

Next time you are in the supermarket or pharmacy, pick up some travel-sized oral care products. Travel toothpaste, a travel toothbrush and a small bottle of mouthwash will help you freshen up wherever you are. Also, it’s pretty useful to have these in your hand luggage just in case your main luggage goes astray. Another thing that can be handy to pack is sugar-free chewing gum and which can help relieve the pressure during a flight, and it helps to stimulate saliva flow. When you have more saliva, it will wash away some cavity-causing bacteria and loose particles of food.

What to Do If You Forget Your Toothbrush

If you do forget your toothbrush entirely, and you are staying in a hotel then ask at reception because they usually have complimentary toothbrushes and toothpaste available. Otherwise, you can use a damp washcloth or paper towel and dab some toothpaste on it before using it to clean your teeth as best you can. In the worst-case, swish your mouth vigorously with water to help clean and freshen it and make sure you buy a toothbrush as soon as you can. If you are travelling somewhere where the water quality is doubtful, make sure you use bottled water to brush your teeth.

Watch Your Diet While You’re Away

Vacations are a time to try new foods and to indulge a bit more. However, keep an eye on how frequently you eat sugary snacks. When you do eat them, try to have them as part of the main meal, which will limit the time your teeth are exposed to sugar. Also, vacations are a time when it’s easy to forget to brush your teeth but try your best to stick to your normal oral hygiene routine.