With your children home from school and warm weather inviting you outdoors, now is a perfect time for a fun summer vacation. However, you don’t want family time to come back to haunt your loved ones’ dental health. Don’t worry. Here are 5 tips to keep everyone’s smile healthy while you’re away.
1. Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss
It’s not always easy to stick to your daily routines while you’re traveling. Although you might be juggling flights or staying in a motel, everyone must continue to brush and floss their teeth.
Create oral hygiene kits with travel-sized products to make brushing and flossing easy when you’re not at home. Ensure everyone is brushing their teeth twice daily and flossing at least once a day to keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay.
2. Watch What You Eat and Drink
It’s normal to indulge in various foods and drinks when on vacation, but you’ll want to moderate sugars and starches. They feed cavity-causing bacteria that can erode enamel. Once enamel is gone, it won’t grow back.
Instead, choose nutritious foods to support healthy mouths and bodies. Avoid hard or crunchy foods to prevent a dental emergency from interrupting your vacation.
3. Practice Pool Safety
No vacation is complete without spending time in the sun while at the pool. Follow proper pool safety rules, like not running on wet surfaces or diving into shallow water. This will lessen the risk of a dental injury while you’re away.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
As you check out popular attractions and explore your destination, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Ensure everyone is drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. This will help combat harmful oral bacteria and prevent dehydration. If you’re unsure about the safety of the public water system in the area you’re traveling, choose bottled water.
5. Visit Your Dentist Before You Leave
Cleanings and checkups reduce the risk of dental emergencies. Many urgent oral health issues are caused by untreated dental problems, like cavities. A quick trip to the dentist can ensure everyone’s teeth and gums are healthy to prevent toothaches from dampening your travel plans.
As you make memories and enjoy time relaxing, make oral health a priority. Everyone will look and feel their best while enjoying their summer vacation.
About Dr. Sean Willcutts
Dr. Willcutts is a board-certified orthodontist, committed to creating healthy, beautiful smiles. He received his dental degree from the Boston University Goldman School of Dentistry before continuing his education for 3 years to specialize in orthodontics. Request an appointment through his website or contact his office.