[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1567″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Are you planning a vacation? Along with packing and booking plane tickets, hotels and tours and taking care of your household, have you ever considered how you can avoid or manage any dental mishaps while you are away from home?
It can be hard to give your oral care the attention it deserves when you’re travelling for business or pleasure. You’re away from home, and you’re out of your routine. But the health of your mouth should always be considered.
The best way to prevent any potential problems is to maintain your oral health with daily home care and regular visits to your dentist. Also, don’t wait until the day before you leave to wonder about that toothache, or the broken filling that has been bothering you for weeks. Take care of these concerns immediately to avoid pain and infection while you are away. Make sure to have any dental surgery you may need completed well in advance of your trip, to avoid having abscesses or post surgical complications once you have left the country or at least the comfort of your own home.
If you break a tooth or you develop an infection while away, make sure to seek treatment immediately. As a general rule, do as little as possible to manage the situation until you get home. An acute infection will require an antibiotic. A broken tooth can be dressed temporarily to relieve some pain and to smooth any rough edges. Make certain you make an appointment with your dentist once you are home from vacation. The sooner one looks after any dental emergency, the faster you will be on the road to recovery and a healthier smile.
The travel container you keep your toothbrush in should be large enough to provide air circulation. Don’t use a case that holds your brush tightly, and make sure that the container has holes for drainage and ventilation. Before and after your trip, be sure to clean your case.
To avoid bacteria, take your toothbrush out of its travel case as soon as you reach your destination. Standing your brush upright in a cup will allow the water to drain away from the bristles. Take your toothbrush out of its travel container as soon as you get home. Consider a collapsible toothbrush, a disposable tooth flosser or a roll of floss because they are easy to fit into your purse or carry-on.
Always remember to wash your hands well before handling your toothbrush or flossing your teeth. And if the local water isn’t safe to drink, that means it’s not safe for oral care either. Use bottled or boiled water instead.
Another tip is to pack some tooth treats to help you keep your mouth clean. Sucking sugarless candies with green tea extract, or drinking green tea, can protect your teeth. Research at Pace University suggests green tea may help to destroy the bacteria that cause cavities.
How to avoid dental mishaps while on vacation is an important topic, especially during this time of the year. As we are in the middle of the summer, it is importan to stay healthy for your upcoming travel. For more information on tooth care while traveling, contact The Smile Spa at 225-292-SMILE (7645).
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Have you ever had any dental emergencies while on vacation? We would love your input and feedback. Just comment below. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]