Vacations, business trips, and weekend getaways may lead to a disruption in your daily oral healthcare routine. 

Factors such as limited luggage space, busy schedules, time zone changes, and unfamiliar environments can lead to daily brushing and flossing falling by the wayside if careful planning is taken in advance to ensure you’re staying on top of your oral health. 

In this article, we will discuss some easy tips and tricks you can utilize to help you maintain your oral health while traveling. From packing smart to setting simple daily habits, here’s how you can maintain a healthy, fresh smile when on the go. 

Pack a Compact Yet Complete Oral Care Kit

Maintaining your oral health when traveling starts before you even get in the car or plane. When packing, it’s important to ensure you have all the materials you need for your oral health to best replicate your at-home routine. 

Choosing a fold-up or travel-size soft bristle brush can help you save space and allow you to fit it into small crevices or pockets of your travel bag. Packing your toothbrush in a ventilated case can help keep it clean and dry while on the move. 

A travel-sized TSA-approved tube of fluoride toothpaste, as well as waxed floss or floss picks, are also easy to pack with the rest of your toiletries.  Additionally, you may also want to consider packing a travel-size mouthwash to keep your breath fresh and fight off harmful bacteria that may come from eating unhealthy foods while on vacation. 

Use Disposable or No‑Water Options When Needed

When traveling, you may need to get creative to ensure you keep up with your oral health. This may mean using disposable or no-water oral healthcare materials when needed. For example, sugar-free xylitol gum or dental mints can be helpful after a big meal, as they can stimulate saliva production and help dislodge any excess food particles in your mouth. 

Floss picks or interdental brushes can also be helpful on long flights or road trips where you may have limited access to restrooms. Brush-free cleaning wipes designed for teeth and gums are also available, and they can be packed away for emergencies when access to water is not available. 

Practice Smart Hydration and Snack Choices

One of the best ways to maintain oral hygiene while traveling is to hydrate regularly and make smart snack choices. While vacations typically mean at least some unhealthy eating habits, travel-friendly snacks like nuts, cheese, and crunchy veggies can make a big difference while you’re in the car or at the airport.  

Additionally, drinking water regularly can help rinse away food particles and combat dry mouth and dehydration that often come from being on an airplane. 

If you do indulge in sugary treats, acidic drinks, and other unhealthy options while traveling, supplementing by rinsing your mouth out with water or chewing sugar-free gum can help dislodge food particles and prevent the buildup of bacteria. 

Keep a Routine Despite Time‑Zone Changes

Traveling to a different time zone can throw off all of your routines, including those related to your oral health. To combat this, try setting alarms and calendar notifications on your smartphone so you remember to brush your teeth in the morning and at night, regardless of what timezone you’re in. 

If jet lag causes irregular or interrupted sleep schedules, try to brush your teeth after your last meal or drink before taking in a much-needed nap. Carrying a mini oral-care kit in your day bag or backpack for mid-day refreshes on tours or layovers is another smart way to prioritize your oral health on vacation.

Protect Restorations and Orthodontic Appliances

If you’re using restorations or orthodontic appliances, it’s important to stay extra careful when traveling to ensure they remain in top condition.  

If you use braces, bring orthodontic wax to aid with potential discomfort that can come about from traveling. If you are using a retainer, make sure to bring a case and keep it stored in a safe location while on the plane or in the car to avoid losing it or it being damaged.  For Invisalign users, packing an extra elastic or aligner tray set can be helpful.

When traveling, avoid chewing hard ice, such as that typically available at hotels. Additionally, be careful with the foods you’re consuming, as certain cuisine types can lead to increased risk of cracks in crowns or veneers.  

Prepare for Dental Emergencies Abroad

Experiencing a dental emergency while traveling can be extremely stressful, especially if you’re abroad. To help prepare in advance for this scenario, store your dentist’s contact information and recent dental X-rays on your phone or a cloud drive, in case you need to share it with an unfamiliar dental professional. 

It’s also critical to know basic oral-health-related first-aid steps, such as re-cementing a loose crown with temporary dental cement or keeping a knocked-out tooth stored in milk. Understanding and executing these oral health tips can help keep your teeth and gums protected even when away from home. 

It’s also a smart idea to research reputable dentists or emergency clinics ahead of time that are located near where you are staying, just in case you need to contact them.

Dental Appointments Available at Ideal Dental

While keeping up with oral health while traveling can be challenging, a little planning and preparation can help keep you on track. 

Staying hydrated, packing the necessary tools and materials, snacking smart, and developing consistent brushing and flossing routines are easy ways for you to keep up with your dental health and safeguard your smile from common vacation mishaps. 

Following these basic oral health tips will help you maximize your time away without sacrificing your hard-earned oral health. Contact your local Ideal Dental today to schedule a pre-trip cleaning so you can feel completely refreshed and cavity-free heading into your vacation.