Dental prevention while traveling: tips for maintaining a smile

To maintain dental health, regular and adequate oral hygiene is necessary. In ideal conditions, the same routine that we maintain our teeth at home, we will follow while traveling. However, we often have a different daily rhythm when traveling and maintaining dental care becomes a challenge.

If you travel often, it is definitely a good idea to invest in a travel set that takes up less space in your luggage. In addition, you will not have to worry about not forgetting your cosmetic bag at home at the last minute before departure. Do not rely on the products that will welcome you at the hotel. Always carry a toothbrush with a cover to help keep your brush clean. It is preferable to dry the brush in the air before putting on the cover so that it does not remain moist and suitable for the growth of bacteria. Along with it, you will need toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash that contains fluoride and partially eliminates bacteria by itself.

During trips, it is important to take in a sufficient amount of water because a dehydrated mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Always have a bottle of water with you. If you are not able to brush your teeth after eating, just shaking the water for 30 seconds can reduce the amount of plaque and weaken the bacteria that damage the teeth.

Exploring the local cuisine is certainly an exciting part of travel, but choosing sweet and sour snacks and drinks can contribute to tooth decay. Choose healthier options such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Of course, fruit also has sugar, so make sure you don’t overdo it and consume it immediately after a meal. Strawberries are a good choice because they remove stains from the teeth, watermelons and cantaloupes, which have less sugar, and apples, which prevent cavities because they contain calcium, fluorine, and phosphorus, and in addition, they mechanically clean teeth very well. On the other hand, dark berries, as well as coffee, tea and red wine, can leave stains on the teeth. And if you can’t resist sweet treats, be sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

Some vegetables, such as raw carrots and celery, have fibers that massage the gums and teeth like a toothbrush, and just chewing such vegetables stimulates saliva secretion. Cheese is a good choice in the morning because it also stimulates the secretion of saliva and neutralizes acids.

As an aid to maintaining hygiene, it is useful to chew sugar-free gum. It freshens the breath and stimulates the secretion of saliva. Saliva is an important part of maintaining the strength of the oral cavity because it helps to rinse it, neutralizes acids and has antimicrobial properties.

If your trip includes activities in nature, be sure to additionally think about protecting your teeth. When riding bicycles, hiking or other sports activities, wear a protective splint so that your teeth and dental prostheses are protected from impacts and damage.

If you are on a long trip, keep your toothbrush and toothpaste in your hand luggage or in another easily accessible place, and plan regular breaks for refreshment and oral hygiene. It is enough to take a few extra minutes, and the difference in oral hygiene will be significant.

Before your trip, schedule a check-up and professional teeth cleaning to make sure that your trip will not be damaged by an unrepaired tooth and so that you can relax carefree and enjoy your annual vacation.