You’re packing your bags for your holiday. Your mind is racing with excitement for adventure and hunger to create new memories. Just before you get on your flight, it can be easy to forget about your oral health. Unfortunately, this can happen when your teeth are their most vulnerable.
Believe it or not, it is very common for your dental hygiene to plummet while on holiday. Here’s how to make sure you and your teeth are completely ready for your holiday or business trip away.
Disruption of your dental care routine
Often, when you’re planning a holiday, it’s because you want an escape from your regular routine. However, there are some aspects of your routine that you shouldn’t put on pause. Brushing with medium or soft bristles toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily is essential for oral health and winning the fight against gum disease and tooth decay.
As you go through time zone changes, it’s easy to lose track of when you last cleaned your teeth. You may find yourself experiencing that “fuzzy tooth sensation” along your gum line. This is the accumulation of bacteria on your teeth and can lead to bad breath or serious issues like periodontal disease.
What can you do?
Packing your toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in your carry-on is essential for your oral health and to fight against gum disease and tooth decay. Then, brush your teeth after every meal. Alternatively, you can set a timer for every 10 hours as a reminder to clean your pearly whites. If you’ve accidentally left your toothbrush, floss, or toothpaste in your suitcase at home, airport shops or hotel front desks often stock exactly what you’re looking for.
Dehydration
On a long flight, you’d be lucky to stay hydrated with the small water bottles and recycled air-conditioning. This can often lead to a headache and dry mouth when you finally arrive at your destination.
It is well established among dental professionals that your saliva and water can help wash away food residue hidden on your teeth. If you have a lack of both these elements, you’re left with a dry mouth and a bacteria breeding ground.
What can you do?
Try to resist alcohol just before or during your flight. This could dry your mouth out even more.
Keeping a large, full water bottle of drinking water by your side before you board your flight is crucial for keeping your gums healthy. Partnering this with sugar-free chewing gum is your ticket to healthy gums by keeping your mouth from getting dry.
Time with your teeth
So, you’ve finally scored some time to clean your teeth. Taking your time to properly clean your teeth in an unfamiliar environment like a stop-over airport or cramped plane bathroom can feel overwhelming. You can feel especially rushed when the area is in high use. Unfortunately, this can result in your dental hygiene falling by the wayside.
What can you do?
To make sure that your dental hygiene isn’t rushed, keep in mind that satisfactory brushing takes at least two minutes, in addition to flossing between every tooth. To keep track of time, it can be helpful to set a timer on your watch or phone.
When you’re going away, it’s almost a certain you will put on a few extra kilos. It’s hard to resist indulging in new/foreign foods and room service. If you don’t limit your consumption of sweets, alcohol, and snacks, you could be jeopardising your general health, as well as causing you serious health problems
Even though it’s nice to soak up the local cuisine, you should be careful of treats that are packed with added sugar and contain high acidity levels. Down the road, this can undo all the dental hygiene preservations from your regular routine by contributing to tooth decay, gum disease or even tooth loss — coming home from your holiday with souvenirs is fine, but bringing back a swag of health conditions should really try to be avoided!
What can you do?
For one’s mental well-being, it can be beneficial to let loose every once in a while. But to avoid dental damage and putting your teeth and gums on the line, choosing the occasional healthier snack can be well worth it. These could include fruit or almonds. Also, if you do end up indulging in your new favourite sweets or unhealthy foods, follow each meal with some tap water to rinse your mouth of food particles. It’s simple health tips like these that can help you maintain your overall health as well as oral health.
Oral health problems and tooth decay emergencies
Even when your dentist is around the corner, toothaches and damaged teeth are still inconvenient. However, dealing with where to go and what your insurance covers in a place that’s unfamiliar can be even more of a headache.
Often, your dental healthcare options will be dictated by your travel destination, especially the case when you’re overseas or somewhere remote.
What can you do?
The best possible protection against dental emergencies is regular good oral hygiene. PureSmile offers dental check-ups where we will be able to catch your dental issues even before they become a hassle. Consider seeing your dentist at least once every 6-months for your oral health.
Another tip would be to ask your dentist about acquiring a custom-fitted mouthguard. This can be especially useful when participating in high-impact sports or activities.
Here at PureSmile, we have locations all over Australia and New Zealand, including in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. So if you’re travelling around the country, there may be a branch near you. Find your closest branch!
If you’re travelling somewhere further from home, you can ask your dentist if they have any advice on dental clinics or professionals near your travel destination.
For more tips from our oral health topics, check out the blog.
If you’re looking to get your teeth in tip-top shape before you head off on your work trip or holiday, our teeth whitening treatments can help.
