August 12, 2018
If you’re planning to go out of town on a business trip or if you’re taking that vacation of a lifetime, we’re sure you have a lengthy checklist of things to accomplish before jet-setting out of town. Here are some tips to consider in regards to your teeth.
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Schedule a checkup before leaving. If it has been a while since you’ve had a cleaning, now is the time to make an appointment. A thorough examination will let you know if any issues are present; if so, they can be taken care of immediately and your trip will be free of that burden.
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Keep your dentist’s contact info with you. Keep their card in your wallet or their number in your phone. Anything can happen while you’re away, including a dental emergency. If you’re traveling outside of the US and an emergency occurs, as the local consulate or US embassy for a recommendation as to who is best in that particular country.
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Be prepared if you forget your toothbrush. While you can always buy a new one once you’ve arrived at your location, you can also rinse vigorously with water. This will wash away the bacteria that create cavities. You can also use your finger or a washcloth as a fill-in toothbrush, applying a small amount of toothpaste and cleaning just as you would at home.
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Store your toothbrush properly. It’s easy to let your toothbrush air dry at home, but that may not be an option when traveling. Pack some re-sealable plastic bags with you to store your toothbrush. This will keep your toothbrush clean and free from contacting other things in your suitcase. Once you’ve arrived at your destination, open the bag and let your toothbrush air dry.
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If flying, take a pack of gum with you. Sugarless gum is great for relieving ear pressure that occurs during flights while fighting your chances of developing cavities. Chewing gum causes saliva to flow, which washes away the bacteria that cause cavities. Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the pack.
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Use bottled water in dangerous areas. If you know the area you’re in has a compromised supply of water or if you’re camping and don’t want to risk using stream water, use bottled water to complete the job. If you get the possibly contaminated water onto your toothbrush, buy a new one or rinse it thoroughly with bottled water so you aren’t at risk of developing an illness.
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When you return, go back to your regular routine. Often while traveling, we indulge in things that we may not do so often at home. Whether it’s trying an abundance of desserts or different foods or simply not brushing enough or flossing, it happens to all of us. What’s important is that you return to your routine once you come home.