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Are you taking a trip away from home during the holiday season? Whether you are visiting family members across the country or just getting away from it all, you have plenty to look forward to. However, you don’t want your smile to fall behind while you’re away from your usual routine. Here are some tips that can help you keep your smile in good health during your holiday vacation this year.
Schedule an Appointment Beforehand
If you have an important trip coming up, it is always a good idea to schedule a dental appointment before you head out. This way, you can be prepared and potentially avoid a poorly-time dental emergency. If there are any issues present in your mouth, they can be addressed before your trip commences, allowing you to enjoy your travels worry-free!
Collect Your Travel Toiletries
It’s a good idea to put together an oral hygiene kit for your trip. Collect some travel-sized oral hygiene tools that are easy to fit in your carry-on bag. You should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash. When choosing a case for your toothbrush, pick one that has holes in it. Trapped moisture can harbor bacteria and make you sick.
Do Your Research
In some places, tap water isn’t safe to use to brush your teeth. You should do your research ahead of time on the place you are visiting. This way, you can avoid getting sick. If you are traveling to a place where tap water isn’t safe to drink, you should purchase bottled water to brush your teeth and rinse your toothbrush with.
Be Mindful of Your Food
If you’re on a holiday trip, it can be tempting to stock up on and enjoy sugary treats that you wouldn’t be eating on a regular basis. This can lead to oral health issues if you aren’t careful. It’s okay to enjoy a sugary treat now and again but be careful not to over-indulge. Try to stick to one or two treats a day. Afterward, enjoy a piece of sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow and wash away bacteria in the mouth.
This holiday season, don’t let a dental issue get in the way of your fun. By following the oral hygiene tips listed above, you can keep your smile healthy while enjoying all of the festivities that the season has to offer!
About the Author
Dr. Karen Ho is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly 20 years. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. For more ways to keep your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment at her office in Campbell, visit her website or call (408) 558-9444.