It’s summer, and it’s time to take that well-deserved vacation. The last thing we tend to think about is our teeth when planning and preparing for our next adventure. Here at Miracle Smile, we have helped you think of everything including some handy travel tips to help you care for your teeth while you’re off and away.
Schedule a Check-Up
Everyone loves an enjoyable vacation, but really, there’s no place like home – especially when there’s a fantastic dentist nearby. “Preventative dental care is not only a good oral hygiene habit to have,” Dr. Anna Aller of Miracle Smile says, but “You’re also establishing a relationship with your dentist.” If you can, schedule your next regular visit before your trip. “We’ll thoroughly examine your teeth so we can identify any areas with potential problems so we can prevent them before they happen. ” Dr. Aller says. Enjoy your vacation more with peace of mind that you have healthy teeth, and that your dentist has your most current dental information, including your x-rays.
If There’s An Emergency
Keep your dentist’s contact information in an easy to find a place in your cell phone or their business card in an easy to find place in your wallet. “Don’t second guess yourself. If you think even for a moment you need to contact your dentist; you probably do,” Dr. Aller says. Believe it or not, many dental emergencies can be resolved over the phone (especially if you keep up regular visits). “As a patient, it’s difficult to judge when something needs to be treated immediately or if it can wait until you get home,” she says. ”That’s what my dental practice and I are are here for.”
If There’s An Emergency While Overseas
If you are vacationing outside of the country and unquestionably need a dentist, Dr. Aller recommends contacting the local consulate or U.S. embassy. “The recommendation will not be that of someone who may be driving business because of a contract, friend, or relative.”
You Forgot Your Toothbrush
Most of the time you can find a store and purchase a toothbrush if you happen to forget yours. If you temporarily are without a toothbrush, Dr. Aller says you can thoroughly rinse with water to wash away cavity-causing bacteria. Another option is to use toothpaste and a clean washcloth or your clean finger.
Proper Toothbrush Transport
Letting your toothbrush air dry is how you keep your toothbrush clean at home, but that’s not always possible on vacation. What’s a traveling toothbrush to do? “I’m a big fan of resealable plastic bags. Keeping your toothbrush clean and out of contact with other things is more important than making sure it’s dry on vacation,” Dr. Aller says. “A bag keeps your toothbrush separate from everything else in your luggage. When you get there, pop it open and let your brush air dry.”
Bring an ADA approved pack of gum.
Chewing gum while flying helps to relieve ear pressure during the flight – but make sure it’s sugarless. In addition to being useful when flying, chewing sugarless gum after a meal (for about 20 minutes) helps prevent cavities. Why? Chewing the gum activates the flow of saliva which helps wash away cavity-causing bacteria. Sugarless gum with the ADA Seal is guaranteed to do the trick.
Don’t take the risk, brush with bottled water
If you are vacationing in a country where the water supply is hazarded – or you’re on a wilderness adventure but aren’t sure how clean the stream is – always use bottled water to brush. “Do not use the local water to brush your teeth,” Dr. Aller says. What happens if you accidentally get local water on your toothbrush? “Get a new one if you can,” she says. “If that isn’t possible, rinse your brush well with bottled water to reduce the risk of getting sick.”
Get back on track after your trip.
If you let brushing and flossing slide – or maybe indulge in a few too many treats while away – it’s okay! “Try to get back on your normal routine of brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing when you get home,” Dr. Aller says.
Do yourself the favor, and before you leave on a beautiful dream vacation, schedule an appointment at Miracle Smile so we can make sure your mouth is happy, healthy, and safe for all of your travels. Call us today at 305-569-9966. We have two convenient locations, in Coral Gables and Plantation, Florida, to serve you better!
