With the school year coming to a close, vacation time is around the corner for many families. While it’s great to unwind and travel in the summer, it can lead to negative consequences to your oral health if you’re not careful, particularly when it comes to restorative dental work.
Crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, and large fillings need extra attention when you’re on the go to ensure they stay intact. Temperature changes, unfamiliar foods, and irregular routines are among the factors that can jeopardize long-term success of restorations when you’re traveling.
In this article, we’ll discuss how you can ensure your restorative dental work stays intact during the busy summer months. From planning in advance, to maintaining treatment while away from home, following these simple tips will keep your dental work secure and your vacation worry-free.
Pre‑Trip Checkup and Tune‑Up
Caring for restorative dental work starts before you even get in the car and on your way to your destination. When you know you have a vacation coming up, schedule a quick exam with your dentist to confirm crowns or bridges are intact and your implant hardware doesn’t show any signs of loosening.
Ask your dentist to smooth out any rough edges, tighten screws, or adjust the bite if anything feels off, so you know your dental work is in the best possible condition before you hit the road. You may also want to obtain written records or digital X-rays in case you need emergency care away from home. It’s always smart to research a qualified dentist in the area you will be staying in so you have their contact information on hand in case it’s needed.
Pack a Restoration‑Friendly Oral Care Kit
When you’re packing your travel bag for your big trip, it’s important not to leave out your oral health care kit.
A soft-bristle toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and waxed floss or interdental brushes are musts for maintaining proper oral health and caring for restorative dental work. You should also add in a travel-size antiseptic mouthwash and a collapsible cup for easy rinsing on planes or in the car on long road trips.
For further protection, bring along orthodontic wax or temporary filling material to cover chips or cracks that might occur when you’re on the go. This will give you an extra layer of protection when you may be far away from a dentist and can’t receive immediate care.
Mind Your Food and Drink Choices
Vacations can often mean less healthy food choices than when you’re eating your normal diet at home. However, it’s critical to make smart food choices when you are caring for restorative dental work, even when you’re traveling.
Be sure to avoid hard or sticky treats, such as ice, taffy, or nut brittles. These can dislodge crowns or chip veneers, potentially ruining your trip. You should also be careful with extreme temperature foods and beverages. Piping hot coffee or ice-cold popsicles for example, can stress bonded restorations.
Of course, it’s important to treat yourself somewhat while on vacation. On the occasions when you do indulge in foods or drinks high in sugar or acids, rinse or brush your teeth within 30 minutes to loosen any lodged food particles and ensure your restorative work is not damaged.
Hydration and Air Travel Tips
Drinking the proper amount of fluids is also extremely important when traveling, especially when flying. Cabin air can dry out your mouth, which increases plaque buildup around the margins. Be sure to bring a large water bottle, and ask flight attendants for more when needed.
If you can’t access water right away, chew sugar-free gum with xylitol to stimulate saliva and neutralize acids. If you’re using removable appliances such as night guards and partials, keep them in a vented case, and never wrap them in napkins that may be accidentally tossed out.
Handling Emergencies on the Road
Accidents with your restorative work happen, and it’s important to be prepared for how to handle them, even when you’re traveling on vacation.
If a crown pops off, clean it, apply a tiny dab of temporary dental cement, and gently reposition it until you can seek professional help. For veneer chips, smooth the edge with orthodontic wax to protect soft tissues.
If you need assistance finding a reputable local dentist to provide treatment, utilize a hotel concierge for a recommendation, research through reputable online sources, or use your travel insurance provider’s directory for local dental professionals.
Post‑Trip Restoration Check
When you return home from your trip, it’s important to check in with a dentist and make sure your restorative work is still intact and in good condition. Schedule a follow-up appointment after extended travel to ensure there is no micro-leakage or fracturing that has occurred.
If needed, your dentist can provide a professional cleaning to remove any stain buildup from vacation treats, such as coffee, wine, tropical fruit juices, or cocktails. During your visit, discuss any sensitivities or discomfort experienced during your travels to ensure all issues are addressed.
Schedule an Appointment at Ideal Dental
With the correct preparation, you can safeguard your crowns, veneers, bridges, and implants during your much-needed vacation.
Pre-trip exams, a well-stocked oral kit, mindful eating, and having an emergency plan can keep your restorative work protected and extend its lifespan. If you know you have a trip coming up this summer, plan ahead to ensure you can travel with confidence to maintain your healthy, restored smile. Contact your local Ideal Dental today to schedule a pre-trip appointment to check on the status of your restorative work.