The holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re like an estimated 100+ million Americans, you may be planning to travel this winter. Whether you’re heading home to visit with family and friends or escaping your usual routine to explore abroad, it’s crucial to care for your teeth to prevent potential problems. After all, you wouldn’t want to interrupt your seasonal celebrations with a dental emergency!
Continue reading to learn about 3 tips that can help you keep your teeth and gums happy and healthy no matter how far away you roam!
Tip #1: Pack the Right Supplies
Whether you’re taking a plane, train, or automobile, you’ll need to have the right supplies to clean your teeth and gums to avoid developing cavities or gum disease while you’re away from home. If you don’t already have one, you might want to purchase a travel-sized toothbrush, floss or flossers, and a small tube of toothpaste that are designed to fit easily into your luggage.
If possible, you might keep your toiletries in your carry-on so that if you want to freshen your breath after enjoying some mid-flight peanuts or get a piece of food stuck in your teeth, you have what you need to keep your smile clean.
Tip #2: Maintain Your Routine
It might not be too difficult to remember to brush and floss twice daily when you’re in familiar surroundings and living your daily life in your own home. But when you’re a guest in someone’s home or staying in a hotel, it can be harder to maintain your regular healthy habits.
One way to help ensure that you continue to brush and floss over the holidays is to try to maintain the same schedule you do at home. For instance, if you usually brush and floss early in the morning before work, completing your routine at the same time when you’re on your break ensures that you won’t forget to clean them!
Tip #3: Get a Checkup Before You Leave
Another simple but effective way to safeguard your smile this holiday season is to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning with your dentist before leaving town. This allows them to identify and treat any areas of concern, like thinning enamel or swollen gums, that might otherwise become problematic while you’re away.
Not only that, but if you have dental insurance, your policy is likely to reset at the beginning of the coming new year. Using your benefits now can help you make the most of the plan you’ve already paid for.
By taking a few simple precautions and visiting your provider, you can enjoy peace of mind and make the most of your travels knowing you’ve taken steps to care for your smile.
Meet the Author
Dr. Nicholas Baldelli is passionate about helping patients enhance their lives by improving their oral health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, and today, has more than 7 years of experience providing a complete menu of services under one roof. His caring approach is combined with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver comfortable, accurate services, whether you require a routine checkup or a more complex procedure. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (401) 847-7662.