14 Dec Travel Tips for Your Teeth
Harmful bacteria thrive when we neglect our oral health. Bacteria don’t go dormant when we travel for work or vacation. This is why it’s important to maintain a vigilant oral hygiene routine and healthy habits when we are away from home. The way you care for your teeth can save you time and money spent on restorative dentistry treatments.
Following are tips for caring for your teeth and gums on the go.
Buy Extra Oral Hygiene Supplies
Your toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste are weapons and you need them to fight off oral disease – even if you aren’t at home. When you buy oral hygiene supplies like floss and toothpaste, buy extra. Store the extra supplies in your luggage, purse, or briefcase so that you are never without these important items. Having these items handy makes keeping your mouth clean much easier when you’re not at home.
Keep Sugar-Free Gum Handy
Sugar-free gum can be helpful when you’re on the go. Chewing sugar-free gum with the ADA seal of acceptance helps rinse away food particles and bacteria by contributing to saliva production. Saliva is nature’s way of protecting our teeth and gums from harmful bacteria and debris. Chewing gum is also helpful on flights when the air pressure gets to our ears.
Stay Hydrated
Water is your friend. We need water to keep our body’s systems hydrated and healthy. Hydration helps rinse away harmful particles and keeps our gums moist. Be mindful of your water consumption – even when you’re not at home. Strive to drink about eight to ten glasses of water each day.
Watch Sugar, Acid, and Sodium
Sugar, acid, and sodium are things you should be wary of consuming whether you are home or away. Sugar and acid contribute to the production of plaque and tartar along with the development of tooth decay. Sugar is a food source for bacteria. When we consume it, the bacteria that contribute to disease thrive.
Exposing our teeth to acid will weaken its enamel and sodium contributes to dehydration, which dries out the mouth. Limiting sugar, acid, and sodium can help prevent oral disease.
Our team at Aesthetic Dental Partners is here for all your preventive and restorative dentistry needs. Call us to schedule an appointment.