Whether you are getting on a flight, taking a road trip, or just heading a few towns over, it’s of the utmost importance that you take care of your teeth while traveling for the holidays. Otherwise, you’ll start 2024 with a mouthful of cavities – yikes! To prevent that from happening, we’re sharing some helpful tips right here.
1. Schedule a Dental Checkup Before You Go
The last thing you want is to get to your destination and have to turn back around because you chipped, cracked, or fractured one of your teeth. That’s why it’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist before you leave town! If that’s not possible for one reason or another, then make sure you visit them once you’re back in town to start 2024 with a healthy, happy smile.
2. Keep Travel-Sized Oral Hygiene Products in Your Carry On
Double-checking that you packed a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash is a great first step. However, we also recommend keeping these oral hygiene products in your carry-on, not your suitcase. That way, they are easy to access whether you need to brush your teeth on the airplane or at a rest stop on the side of the road!
3. Don’t Eat Sugar in Excess
Avoiding sugar during the holidays? That’s a big ask! Don’t worry – you don’t have to steer clear of cranberry sauce, eggnog, and pumpkin pie entirely. Instead, just do your best to not over-consume added sugar. Furthermore, make sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth afterward to reduce your risk of cavities.
4. Make Water Your Go-To Drink
From hot chocolate and peppermint mochas to gingerbread lattes and mulled wine, there are so many festive drinks that come with the holiday season. Although delicious, they are often packed with sugar and can leave behind noticeable stains. So, consider making water your go-to beverage – it will keep you hydrated and benefit your oral health!
5. Pack Sugar-Free Gum
Although you would ideally be able to brush and floss your teeth after each meal (especially ones loaded with sugar), that’s not always possible. In that case, chew on some sugar-free gum! This will help stimulate saliva production, removing food particles from your teeth in the process.
About the Practice
Since our top-rated team at The Dental Group at Polaris offers everything from routine checkups to essential emergency care, patients in Lewis Center can turn to us for all of their dental needs. So, whether you need to schedule an appointment with us before you leave or right when you get back, don’t hesitate to get in touch via our website or by phone at (614) 888-3692.