Summer is just around the corner. Are you counting the days yet? Are you already planning your holiday? As you hammer out the itinerary and dates, don’t forget to schedule a pre-trip appointment at Casa Dental. Getting a thorough dental exam before you head out is essential to maintaining a healthy smile while on vacation and avoiding an unexpected (and unwanted) dental emergency.
If you want to know other ways to keep your smile shining throughout your holiday, you’re in luck. This blog offers a few more dental health tips to help you care for your teeth and gums no matter where your upcoming trip takes you.
Stick to Your Dental Hygiene Habits
For many of us, the whole point of a vacation is to escape our daily routines, responsibilities, and stressors. This means no more chasing after the kids to get them to unload the dishwasher or spending a sunny Saturday morning mowing the lawn!
However, you shouldn’t abandon all routines—in particular, your daily oral hygiene routine.
There is no vacation from good oral care. It’s vital that you maintain these healthy habits throughout the year, regardless of whether you’re at home or away on a relaxing (or adventurous) holiday. After all, the plaque and cavity-causing bacteria that live in your mouth never take a day off.
You feed the bacteria that occur naturally in your mouth whenever you eat or drink. This bacterium produces acid as it feeds on food debris and sugar residue. Your mouth becomes an acidic environment, and plaque begins to form from the leftover food particles, saliva, and bacteria. This combination of acid and plaque buildup will eventually lead to tooth decay.
This means you must be diligent when it comes to your oral care. Brushing your teeth twice per day, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and drinking adequate water are essential steps to preventing cavities and gingivitis. Be sure to brush for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
It’s hard to take care of your teeth and gums if you forget your oral hygiene tools. You need your (soft-bristled) toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss. Depending on where you’re vacationing, you may find it difficult to replace any of the items that failed to make their way into your bag. Also, your favourite brand may not be available in your destination country.
We recommend assembling an “on the go” oral health care kit that lives in your carry-on bag or suitcase permanently. With this simple step, you’ll never forget your toothbrush again! It also means that there’s one less thing that you need to remember to pack.
If you have a long flight, having a dental travel kit in your carry-on bag is essential. You should adhere to your regular oral hygiene routine on overnight and evening flights. It doesn’t matter that you’re sleeping on a plane instead of in a real bed—you still need to brush your teeth!
Your oral care kit should contain a soft-bristled toothbrush stored in a protective case, fluoride toothpaste, and mouthwash. If you’re keeping the kit in your carry-on luggage, then the toothpaste and mouthwash need to be travel-sized (under 100 ml).
Drink Water to Stay Hydrated
Your smile is affected by what you eat and drink. By simply consuming enough water, you’re setting your teeth and gums up for success. After all, staying hydrated is key to your oral health and overall well-being.
Water impacts your oral health in two major ways. First, hydration is crucial for saliva production. A dehydrated body means a dry mouth, which is the perfect environment for bacterial growth.
When saliva production decreases, there’s less saliva in your mouth to wash away plaque, lingering food particles, and bacteria. The bacteria, as a result, have a lot to eat. Acidity increases, plaque buildup accelerates, and you’re more likely to get a cavity.
If you’re vacationing somewhere hot, it’s extra-important to drink enough water!
Second, drinking water flushes your mouth of food debris, sugar residue, and acids. This helps keep bacterial growth in check. It’s actually a good idea to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything high in sugar or acidity.
Water is the best thing you can drink on vacation. We know those sugary beverages, fruit juices, and alcoholic drinks are tasty and fun; however, they are not conducive to a healthy smile. Try to consume these beverages in moderation and opt for water instead, most of the time!
Before You Leave, Visit Your Dentist at Casa Dental in Mississauga
A pre-vacation trip to your dentist ensures that your mouth is in tip-top condition before you depart. This appointment could be the difference between a trouble-free holiday and a trip to the emergency dentist in a foreign country.
You want to return from vacation with happy memories and stories of beaches, quality family time, and endless sunshine…not a harrowing tale of your dental emergency.
Therefore, a visit to your Mississauga dentist is a crucial part of prepping for your holiday. Don’t forget to add it to your checklist. Then, contact the team at Casa Dental to schedule your appointment.
During your upcoming checkup, your dentist looks for any potential issues so they can be treated in advance. This reduces the likelihood of any unexpected dental complications while you’re away. If your teeth and gums are healthy, then this visit is a preventative measure that will give you peace of mind.
If you have a developing oral health condition, your next visit to our clinic is even more important. Prompt treatment is especially vital when it comes to dental issues. You don’t want to wait until after you’re back home to begin treatment.
Casa Dental’s friendly and caring team is ready to assist you before your vacation. We’re dedicated to keeping your mouth healthy and your smile bright, year-round! Visit us today to experience exceptional dental care in a warm and welcoming Mississauga clinic.
To book an appointment in Mississauga, call Casa Dental at 888-270-8793 or contact us here.
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