Summer is a great time for families to go on vacation. You might travel to the beach, visit family or explore a new city. Wherever you go, it’s important not to forget about your teeth. Dentists know that when you travel, it can be easy to let go of your dental habits. But keeping your mouth healthy is important, even when you are on summer break.
Summer Dental Care Tips
Before you leave for your trip, pack dental supplies. Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste with fluoride, and dental floss. It is smart to also bring a travel-sized mouthwash if you use one at home. Keeping these supplies in your bag helps you remember to brush and floss each day.
Dentists say you should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Always use soft, gentle circles to clean the teeth all the way to the gumline. When you floss, gently move the floss between each tooth to remove food. These are good rules for home and for traveling.
Dental Health While Traveling
Sometimes, your vacation means sleeping in a new place or changing your routine. This may make it easy to forget brushing your teeth at night. Dentists remind us that brushing before you sleep is very important. At night, bacteria can build up in your mouth. If you do not brush, this bacteria can cause cavities or make your gums sore and swollen.
Even if you stay up late or get really tired, try your best to brush and floss before bed. Setting an alarm on your watch or phone is a helpful way to remember. If you wear braces or retainers, bring your supplies with you so you can clean your mouth well.
Vacation Dental Tips for Families
Vacations are special because you get to try new foods. But many vacation foods and drinks contain a lot of sugar. For example, juice, soda, candy, and ice cream can stick to your teeth and cause problems. Dentists want you to know that sugar feeds the bacteria that make cavities.
That doesn’t mean you can’t have a treat. Just be smart about it. If you eat something sweet, drink water after to rinse your mouth. Try to limit the number of sugary snacks you eat in a day. Brushing after eating is always best. If you can’t brush, chewing sugar-free gum helps clean your mouth.
It is also helpful to carry a bottle of water wherever you go. Water washes away food and keeps your gums healthy. Drinking water is better than drinking sugary or acidic drinks, like lemonade or sports drinks. If your family swims a lot in the summer, remember that pool water with too much chlorine can be harmful for your teeth. Rinse your mouth with fresh water after swimming.
If you’re looking for advice or care, a dentist at a dental clinic in Vancouver can help you understand how to protect your teeth while still enjoying your favourite treats.
How to Protect Teeth During Summer Trips
Sometimes, dental emergencies happen when you are on vacation. You might crack a tooth eating hard candy or fall and bump your mouth playing games. Dentists say, wear a mouthguard when you play contact sports or do activities like skateboarding or biking. If something does hurt your mouth, rinse with clean water and visit a dentist if your tooth feels loose, cracked, or painful.
If you ever lose a filling or crown while on a trip, try to keep the area clean and avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods. Use dental wax (you can get it from a pharmacy) to cover sharp pieces. Then call a dentist for advice right away.
Extra Tips from Dentists
- If you are flying on a plane, keep your toothbrush in a clean case. Do not let it touch other items in your bag.
- Do not use someone else’s toothbrush or let anyone use yours.
- Bring enough toothpaste and floss for your trip, so you do not have to buy them in a new place.
- Take a dental checkup before vacation, especially if you or your kids feel mouth pain. Your dentist can treat small problems before they turn into toothaches on your trip.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your mouth is important during vacation. It’s easy to forget dental habits when you are having fun, but healthy teeth mean you can smile, enjoy all your food, and not worry about getting a toothache. Remember to pack your toothbrush, brush and floss every day, drink lots of water, and be careful with sweet snacks. If you follow these summer dental care tips, your whole family can have a great time and keep healthy smiles all summer long!
Call us Today to Schedule a Dental Checkup!
If you’re looking for gentle and trusted dental care, visit Dentists at Oakridge. Our team helps patients of all ages keep their teeth healthy and clean. We offer dental checkups, cleanings, and more in a calm and friendly space. Your oral health is our top priority, and we’re here to make every visit simple and stress-free. If you want to ask us anything about your teeth or treatment, we’re here to help. Just give us a call, and our friendly team will answer your questions.
