Caring for Your Teeth While Traveling or On the Go

dentist EulessVacationing or a busy schedule should never be an excuse for neglecting your oral health. If you’re away from home for one day or an extended trip, plan for whatever you may need so when you return home you know you did whatever you could to keep teeth and gums healthy. If your plans call for you to be absent from home for an extended period, make sure you visit your dentist before departing for a cleaning and dental exam.

Dental Care Away From Home

Just because you are not home, you still need to maintain that same daily oral health regimen you practice at home (and if you don’t have one, it’s never too late to start). Pack a toothbrush, fluoridated toothpaste, and dental floss. If you forgot to pack, unless you’re in the wilderness, you can easily pick up the tools needed to take care of your teeth.

If your travels take you to areas where brushing is more difficult, make sure you have plenty of bottled water. Before you leave, invest in a pack of disposable toothbrushes that have a tooth cleaning agent already on the brush. Just make sure you dispose of them appropriately.

Disposable toothbrushes are a great tool for those with a busy schedule as well. Pop into a restroom following meals; brush, and toss away before continuing on with your day. Just remember, many foods and beverages can soften dental enamel so brushing too soon following consumption may do more damage than good. Waiting thirty minutes to brush is a good rule of thumb. If you don’t have that much time, give your mouth a good rinse and/or chew sugar free gum.

I’m Away From Home and Need a Dentist

A toothache or trauma to teeth that results in the need for a dentist can happen at any time. If you are away from home, a quick call to your own dentist to seek advice may be in order. Even at night or on weekends, your dentist may have an emergency number you can call.

If this is a true emergency, or if excessive bleeding is evident, a trip to the hospital emergency room is in order. Very often, stop gap measures can be taken until you can get home and see your regular dentist for follow-up treatment.

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact our team at Bliss Dental today.