If You're Going On Vacation Your Oral Hygiene Should Not

How to Maintain Healthy Teeth While Traveling

For most of us, having healthy pristine oral health is a much sort after goal. We try our best to get and maintain good oral hygiene through various methods on a day to day basis. At times it can be through brushing, learning about cosmetic procedures or using various unconventional home remedies. Our oral health is our own responsibility. Irrespective of how awesome your Dental Surgeon or Dental Hygienist is (and I should know because I am one!) your oral health really depends on what you do.

When on a much deserved and long awaited vacation or simply traveling, our teeth is one of the last things that we want to concern ourselves with. Here are a few tips that will help you to keep your oral health in check while you frolic in the sun or simply unwind:

1. Schedule an Appointment- For those who are chronic travelers or who go on extended vacations, it is absolutely necessary to see your Dentist or Hygienist before your travels. That way you can start your travels with a healthy oral cavity that you just need to maintain until your next appointment. You should also schedule a future appointment for yourself and family to attend once the vacation is over.

2. Pack a Brushing Kit- A key component to having great oral health is daily maintenance. This is paramount as what you do everyday will show up six months later at your next visit. In your brushing kit you should have a soft/medium bristle toothbrush, toothpaste of your choice from a trusted brand, dental floss and breath mints. Breath mints are important because even when we brush and floss, we can still have halitosis (bad breath) and no one likes that. Just ask the person next to you. These items when used in the correct way will certainly allow you to keep your oral hygiene in check. Also ensure that you have the specific tools at hand to maintain your braces or if you have any other dental appliances that require special upkeep. There are other components that are optional such as a travel size mouthwash and a tongue cleaner.

3. You Are What You Eat- It is very true and your mouth knows it too, not to mention the nostrils of those around you. Ensure that you drink a lot of water. Yes, you are on vacation and there is so much to see and eat and you just want to go ham! But add some fruits and vegetables to your meals, your teeth will thank you later.

4. Your Habits Become You- The same goes for your teeth. It is important to do a thorough cleaning twice a day, mainly at the end of the day for at least 2 minutes. Please do not forget to floss, it is just as important as cleaning the surface of your teeth.

5. Do Not Make it a Task- Relax, you are on vacation. Prepare your brushing kit beforehand and schedule your appointment. That means while you are traveling from place to place, you will just need to remember to brush and floss anywhere- even while taking a tour. When you look back on those photo's a few years down the line, you will want to say "cheese!" all over again.

Healthy habits create healthy environments. The same goes for your oral hygiene.

Remember, to have healthy teeth, you have to do healthy things.