If you’re traveling this summer, there are a few things you need to do ahead of time to ensure you have a great time. That starts with planning your itinerary and extends to submitting your PTO request, shopping for new clothes, and finding someone to watch your pets. Your to-do list should also include something else: taking proactive measures to prevent a dental emergency while you’re away. With this in mind, here are a few essential oral health tips for summer vacation.
Tip #1: Visit Your Dentist Before You Leave
Summer marks the halfway point of 2023. So, if you haven’t yet visited your dentist this year for a checkup and cleaning, make sure to schedule your appointment before you leave town! This is essential because your dental team can catch and treat serious oral health concerns (i.e., damaged restorations, tooth decay, gum disease) so they don’t derail your vacation plans.
Tip #2: Brush and Floss Consistently
Even when you’re away from home, you need to brush and floss consistently. So, double and triple-check that you have packed all of your oral hygiene essentials before you leave. That starts with a soft-bristled toothbrush and extends to fluoridated toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
Tip #3: Be Careful When Eating Crunchy Foods
One of the best parts of vacation is eating whatever you’d like and indulging in the local cuisine. While you don’t have to miss out for the sake of your oral health, you should exercise caution with extremely hard and crunchy foods. One wrong bite can leave you with a cracked or fractured tooth, which can be stressful to handle when you’re away from home.
Tip #4: Drink Lots of Water Throughout the Day
No matter what your summer vacation plans entail, you should keep a bottle of water with you at all times. Of course, this will ensure that you stay hydrated in the summer sun; however, it will also help prevent dry mouth and rinse food particles from your teeth.
Tip #5: Bring Some Sugar-Free Gum with You
If brushing and flossing after each meal simply isn’t feasible, then chew on some sugar-free gum afterward. Although this isn’t a replacement for your oral hygiene regimen, it can help stimulate saliva production and remove debris from your teeth and gums. The good news is that there is a wide range of sugar-free flavors available now, so you can opt for whichever one you like best!
About the Practice
Our team at LIC Dental Associates is proud to be a top-rated dentist in Queens – in means our goal of providing exceptional dental care is working! With each patient, we prioritize providing dentistry that’s both personalized and convenient. That’s why we designed our office to feel like a high-end spa and offer morning, lunchtime, and evening hours throughout the week. If you would like to schedule an appointment with us before your vacation (or simply because you’re overdue for your six-month checkup), don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (718) 280-3286.