According to the latest census, nearly 68% of Americans will be traveling this November and December – that’s more than 174 million people! Whether you’re planning on catching a flight or taking a road trip out of town, it’s important that you are proactive about maintaining your oral health. For that reason, we’re sharing some simple ways to care for your smile while traveling for the holidays.
1. Pack Travel-Sized Dental Care Essentials in Your Carry-On
In short, if you can’t get to your toothbrush easily, you won’t use it! That’s why it’s best to keep all of your oral hygiene essentials – from your toothbrush and toothpaste to floss and mouthwash – in your carry-on. That way, you can easily complete your dental care regimen whether you’re on the airplane or on the side of the road grabbing a bite to eat.
2. Keep Sugar-Free Gum Close By
Of course, there are some situations that arise where stopping to brush and floss your teeth just isn’t feasible, like when you’re running late to the airport. In that case, chew on some sugar-free gum! Although it’s not a replacement for your toothbrush, it can stimulate saliva production, removing food particles from your teeth in the process.
3. Be Mindful of Added Sugar
Avoiding sugar during the holiday season is nearly impossible. Don’t worry – you don’t have to either! Instead, simply do your best to avoid consuming added sugar in excess. A great example would be opting for a more vitamin-rich, nutrient-dense lunch before Thanksgiving dinner.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is important for several reasons. In addition to helping you stay healthy, drinking water throughout the day will help prevent dry mouth while simultaneously removing food particles from your teeth. So, it’s always a good idea to keep a bottle of water on-hand as you travel!
5. Schedule Your Next Dental Checkup
With all of the hustle and bustle that comes with planning a trip, your calendar might be jam-packed with to-dos. If you can’t visit your dentist before you leave, then make sure your first appointment of 2024 is on the calendar! That way, you can start the new year with a healthy, beautiful smile.
About the Practice
Our team at Webster Lake Dental is proud to be a top-rated dental office in the area, and we’d like to think that our patient care philosophy has something to do with that! Instead of just looking at teeth, we genuinely get to know the people in our treatment chair and go out of our way to be an ongoing resource on all things oral health. So, if you have a question about how to maintain your smile, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us via our website or by phone at (508) 943-8111.