Oral Hygiene Tips on the Go

Are you planning a vacation or a visit with loved ones in another state this new year? Between packing and travel arrangements, you likely have a lot on your mind. Though you may intend to relax during your trip, plaque formation never takes a vacation.

Therefore, you should not forget to make plans to take care of your smile as you travel. Levesque Dentistry, a dental practice located in Nashua, NH, provides advice for maintaining good oral hygiene during your next vacation.

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How to Take Care of Your Smile While Traveling

Keep Oral Hygiene Tools Handy

You likely have a solid routine in place to clean your teeth and gums at home. When you leave for a vacation, your schedule is less predictable, so you should keep a secondary oral hygiene plan in place.

Your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss might have a spot on your packing list, but you should make sure you have oral hygiene supplies handy whenever possible. Luggage may be stowed on a plane during a long flight or kept in a hotel room when you are sightseeing during the day.

You might not always have access to your bags. So keeping the floss in your pocket or purse can help you stay on top of your oral hygiene and prevent dental damage from developing during your trip.

Plan Your Snack Options

Many people look forward to holiday-centered family meals or exciting restaurants when they travel. However, you will likely indulge in snacks on your trip too. Choosing healthy snacks ahead of time can help you avoid dental problems.

Sugary foods could increase your risk of cavities. But hard-textured, fibrous foods like carrots and nuts could give your oral hygiene a boost while satisfying a craving. These types of snacks can clear residue from your smile between teeth brushing regimens, offering protection from plaque build-up.

Drink Plenty of Water

To stay healthy, you should drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day. When you are on the go as you travel, it can be difficult to keep up with this amount without careful planning.

But it is important to stay hydrated to lower your risk of developing oral health issues. If low hydration gives you a dry mouth, natural bacteria in your mouth could more easily spread across your teeth.

This could heighten the chances of contracting an oral infection like gum disease. Periodontal disease can cause serious dental issues and will require a dentist to eradicate the infection. If you take preventative measures, you can help avoid these kinds of oral health risks. If you would like more information on periodontal disease and how we treat it, see Periodontal Therapy.

Learn More from an Expert Dentist in Nashua, NH

Levesque Dentistry offers high-quality preventative dental care and other general dental treatments to patients in Nashua, NH. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement solutions. If you feel nervous when visiting your dentist, ask our team about sedation dentistry options. To schedule a consultation with us, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 603.547.9203.