Dental Care Vacation Tips

How to Have a Dental Care Worry Free Vacation

Dental care during vacation may not be something many people think about. But no one wants to get stuck with dental pain and have it ruin a vacation.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends some guidelines for dental care that can help you enjoy your travel.

Dental Care Guidelines for Vacation

• Get a checkup before your trip. Getting your teeth checked and taking care of any potential problems beforehand is a good idea. That way, you can often head off any problems before they occur.
• Bring your dentist’s number. Put your dentist’s contact information into your cell phone. You’d be surprised how much a phone conversation with your dentist can give you peace of mind. If something happens and you’re in discomfort, you can find out whether you need to deal with it right away or if you can wait until your vacation is over.
• What you should do about dental care while abroad. If a tooth problem arises and you’re out of the country, checking with people who work at a U.S. embassy is often a good idea. You are more likely to get a reliable referral.
• Didn’t pack your toothbrush. Until you get to a drugstore, you can rinse your mouth with water. You can also put toothpaste on a washcloth or your finger and rub your teeth with it.
• How you should pack your toothbrush. If you don’t have a toothbrush carrier, you can pack your toothbrush in a plastic bag. It’s important to keep it separate from other things. When you unpack, set it out to dry.
• Chew sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating can help you prevent cavities. The chewing stimulates saliva, which helps wash away bacteria. Also, look for the ADA seal when buying sugarless gum.
• Use safe water. If you’re out of country or in an area where you suspect the water isn’t safe, then brush with bottled water. It’s a good rule of thumb not to use the local water in many places.
• Get back into your routine. While on vacation, sometimes it’s easy to get out of your routine. As a result, you may forget to floss or brush. Or, perhaps you indulged in eating sugary foods more than usual. Reinstate your good brushing, flossing and eating habits when you get back home.

Concerned about Your Teeth and Gums?

Our dentists and staff at Hutto Hippo Family Dental are glad to answer your questions and assist you with dental care.