Jingle All the Way to Healthy Teeth: Tips for Traveling During the Holidays

One of the most difficult aspects of the holidays is travel. You have to leave everything behind—your house and your routines, to get to your destination. Once you arrive, there will be a lot of fun and family time, but have you thought about your teeth? Oral care is one of those things that tends to be neglected while on the go. So, what can you do to save your oral health?

Continue reading to learn what you can do to keep up your oral hygiene while traveling for the holidays.

1. Carry a Travel-Sized Dental Kit

The best way to keep up your oral health while traveling is to make sure you have all your tools. Ensure that you have a case or toiletry bag with a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. This will allow you to brush anywhere you go! Just make sure that you’re also properly cleaning and ventilating your toothbrush between uses.

2. Continue Your Oral Health Routine

Though it’s easier said than done, you should try to continue your regular oral care routine while traveling. Once you have your oral care bag prepared, you’ll have all the tools you need to keep up tooth maintenance.

If you must, brush inside restaurants or use rest stops when a regular sink isn’t available. It may feel strange to brush in public, but your teeth with thank you.

3. Watch What You Eat

The main contributors to plaque and oral health problems are sugar and starch. If you know it’s going to be a while before you can brush your teeth, avoid these. Sugary drinks like soda and flavored coffee, fast-food shakes, and French fries will create a sticky bacterial plaque that could cause cavities.

Try to eat cleaner, or bring foods that will clean your teeth as snacks. This could be carrot sticks, celery, or apples.

4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

When brushing isn’t possible, sugar-free gum with xylitol is the best option for cleaning your teeth and fighting cavities. The American Dental Association has thoroughly researched Xylitol and has approved of its use as an oral care substitute. While there’s no replacing a good oral hygiene routine, sugar-free gum will do in a pinch while you’re traveling.

Using these tips while you travel will keep your pearly whites healthy so you can smile more at your destination. Before you head out on the road, make an appointment with your dentist. They can give you a checkup to ensure you’re not bringing anything unpleasant like a cavity with you on your journey.

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry in Love Field, you’ll find a hard-working dental team ready to assist with all your dental needs. Their facility uses the latest dental technology and techniques to ensure that your treatment is efficient and affordable, just in time for the holidays. Call (214) 350-5333 to schedule an appointment or visit the website to learn more.