Traveling can be fun but can leave you prone to cavities, gum diseases, and chronic diseases. The American Dental Association reports a link between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses.
When traveling, you’re likely to think about your luggage and clothing, planning adequate time for your stay and giving little attention or needing to remember about dental hygiene. When traveling, staying on top of your oral hygiene can be tricky. But don’t worry.
This article provides tips to help you maintain oral hygiene and keep pearly whites while on the go.
Effective Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean While Traveling
Pack the Right Tools
Staying on top of your oral hygiene can be hard when you’re on the go. But if you pack the right tools, you can keep your dental health in good shape.
Here are a few items that are essential for keeping your teeth clean while traveling:
- Toothbrush and paste: Pack the toothbrush in a plastic bag or container so it won’t get wet or dirty in your suitcase. Also, pack toothpaste that doesn’t require refrigeration.
- Water flosser: A water flosser is excellent for removing debris between teeth and helping prevent cavities and gum disease. It’s also vital for people who have braces or implants.
- Pack mouthwash with whitening ingredients: Mouthwash helps kill germs that cause bad breath and prevent gum disease, while whitening ingredients help remove coffee and tea stains and brighten your smile.
- Flossing Picks: These are great if you have trouble flossing with regular dental floss. They come in different sizes and shapes to fit between those hard-to-reach places better than traditional floss.
Keep It Small
The best way to pack dental hygiene tools is in a small plastic bag to fit easily into your carry-on or purse. It also helps organize and prevent them from getting lost.
Chewing Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar-free gum is a great way to keep your mouth fresh while you travel. It helps stimulate saliva flow, keeping your teeth and gums healthy by washing away food particles and debris. Studies show that chewing sugar-free gum reduces dental caries.
When purchasing this product, consider going for sugarless gum with an ADA seal of acceptance.
Watch What You Eat
When traveling, it’s easy to get into unhealthy eating habits. Yet, you should find ways to maintain good dental hygiene.
If you’re not sure how to incorporate healthy habits into your travel routine, use these tips:
- Choose crackers that are whole grain and low in sodium.
- Eat fruits and vegetables whenever possible. It helps lower the risk of tooth decay because they contain natural sugars that are not as harmful as processed sugars found in candy bars and other snacks.
- Avoid or reduce the intake of sugary food, snacks, and drinks such as soda or juice, which can cause tooth decay.
- Drink water.
Sticking to a healthy diet is one of the best ways to keep your teeth clean while traveling, and it’s easier than you think. Always control what goes into your mouth.
Carry Extras
It’s good to have an extra toothbrush with you when you travel. This way, you’ll have a backup if one gets damaged or lost. The same goes for dental floss and mouthwash.
Brush with Clean Water
Use only water that is safe to drink for your teeth. In some parts of the world, tap water may be unsafe for brushing teeth or rinsing the mouth. In such cases, use bottled water, de-mineralized, or distilled water. If you don’t have access to these options, boil the tap water and add mouthwash before brushing.
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean and Dry
Ensure your toothbrush is clean and dry at all times. Wash it properly after each use to prevent bacteria growth, or carry disposable toothbrushes.
Stay Hydrated
When you’re hydrated, you’re less likely to suffer tooth decay. Water helps flush harmful substances from your mouth and protects against enamel erosion from acidic foods and drinks.
Visit a Dentist Before Traveling
When traveling, you’ll be exposed to things that can affect your oral health. Thus, you should get ahead of the potentially adverse effects through prevention. Your dentist can help you identify issues that may arise during your trip and advise you on ways to maintain good oral hygiene.
Also, tell your dentist about the medications or supplements you may be using. It allows them to address any questions or concerns about the trip ahead.
Tricks to Pack Your Dental Tools and Maintain Hygiene When Traveling
When packing dental hygiene tools, consider saving space and preventing damage to your items. Here are some tips for packing efficiently:
Use a Toiletry Bag
A toiletry bag helps keep your dental hygiene tools organized and easy to find.
Use travel-sized Items
Travel-sized toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash take up less space and are easier to pack than full-sized items.
Use a Toothbrush Cover
It helps to protect your toothbrush from damage and keep it clean.
Consider a Multi-purpose Tool
Some toothbrushes come with a built-in tongue scraper, which can eliminate the need for a separate device.
By efficiently packing the right dental hygiene tools, you can maintain good oral hygiene while traveling without taking up too much space in your luggage.
Prioritizing Your Dental Healthy While on The Go
Did you know that maintaining good oral hygiene while traveling helps prevent dental problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath? Packing the right dental hygiene tools, practicing good oral hygiene habits, and being mindful of your diet, keeps your teeth and gums healthy while traveling.
Pack a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, and a tongue scraper. Use bottled water if tap water is unsafe to drink, chew sugar-free gum after meals, and seek professional dental care before traveling.
Implementing these tips keeps your smile healthy and helps you feel more confident and refreshed during your travels.