Summer is just around the corner! Beaches, traveling, the whole shebang… That means long car rides, and long airplane flights: both of which should not be a free pass for neglecting to care for your teeth.
PACK A TRAVEL KIT
Have a little kit for your teeth! It doesn’t need to be bulky and big at all, the store has travel-sized options for this exact purpose. You don’t need a full toothbrush and a full toothpaste tube, the minis will suffice. Get a collapsible toothbrush, a mini toothpaste, and a little bottle of mouthwash. Floss wouldn’t hurt either. Having these little things will make them handier for you to use… And as a bonus, it will save space in your carry-on.
BATHROOM = BRUSH
Make it a routine, or set a criteria for when you are going to brush. If you can’t stick to brushing right after you eat, perhaps establish for yourself that each bathroom trip is toothbrush time. Then you knock out two birds with one stone: you handle your business, and also take care of your tooth business.
GUM
If you really can’t brush your teeth, chew sugar-free (emphasis on the sugar-free part!) gum. Chewing it will increase the flow of saliva in your mouth, which will help keep your teeth cleaner. Gum is by no means an alternative to brushing, though! Brush if you can!
CUT DOWN ON THE SUGARY SNACKS
In an environment where brushing isn’t easily accessible, avoid sugar as much as you can, or at least make an effort to minimize it. Don’t go all out with having candy as the only snack option, have sugar-free options, and have water to drink after eating to reduce risk of cavities.
TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER WITH HOLES
Make sure your travel toothbrush holder has holes! With ventilation, your toothbrush has less of a chance of growing bacteria.
If you have any questions, make an appointment with Advanced Dentistry of Collegeville at (610) 489-5555!
