Summer vacation is the time to rest, reset, and get away from it all. However, before you do, make sure your teeth and gums are ready.
There are no vacations from your oral health. Whether you’re at home or relaxing near a beach in Mexico, caring for your teeth and gums is essential. Staying on top of your dental hygiene routine, even while vacationing, prevents tooth decay and other oral health conditions.
So, this summer vacation, don’t forget the six oral care tips included in this article. Be sure to visit your Toronto dentist at Bloor West Smiles before you depart.
1. Schedule a pre-trip dental checkup
Visiting your Toronto dentist before your vacation is one of the best ways to avoid a dental emergency while you’re away. It also significantly reduces the likelihood that you’ll return home with a cavity or another oral health issue.
During this appointment, your dentist examines your teeth and gums to ensure they’re healthy and ready for vacation. They look for any developing oral health issues so you can receive treatment before your departure. This reduces the chance of unexpected dental complications that would require treatment from unfamiliar dentists in foreign locations.
You also receive a professional cleaning, which removes the plaque and tartar buildup that can cause tooth decay. This has the extra benefit of making your smile whiter and brighter, just in time for all those holiday photos.
It’s crucial to visit your dentist in Toronto every six months for an examination and professional cleaning. If you’re long overdue for a visit, contact Bloor West Smiles today to book your next appointment.
If your biannual visit falls during your upcoming vacation, come see us before you leave. Not only will this visit safeguard your oral health, but it also provides peace of mind, knowing that you’ve done everything you can to protect your smile.
2. Pack your oral care essentials
It’s impossible to take care of your smile without the proper tools. Therefore, make sure to pack your oral health essentials before heading off on vacation. We recommend building an on-the-go oral health care kit to keep in your suitcase or carry-on at all times. That way, you’ll never forget your toothbrush!
Your oral care travel kit should include a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash. Opting for travel-sized versions can help conserve space in your luggage or be placed in your carry-on.
You should take a toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste with you on long flights to brush your teeth on the plane. Long flights are no excuse for skipping your nightly or morning brush! Plaque builds up no matter where you are, even if you’re high above the ground.
Additionally, be sure to pack a protective case for your toothbrush for maximum hygiene. Improper storage of your toothbrush can result in nasty bacterial growth. These germs are then transferred to your mouth when you brush, posing a risk to your oral health. A closed container keeps your toothbrush dry when stored, keeping it free from bacteria.
3. Maintain your dental hygiene routine
Packing your oral case essentials is half the battle. Now, you have to make sure that you actually use them.
Travelling upends our routines, infusing our lives with spontaneity and excitement. Some routines are meant to be broken, but others are not. Your oral hygiene regimen is one that you need to adhere to throughout your vacation. Maintaining these healthy habits protects your teeth and gums from tooth decay, infection, and disease. They also keep your smile bright and glistening.
You must brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, floss once per day to dislodge plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas. Rinsing with mouthwash, particularly after meals, helps wash away lingering debris and acid.
4. Be mindful of what you eat
Trying new food, exploring local cuisines, and indulging in tasty delights poolside are some of the joys of taking a vacation. That said, it’s still important to be mindful of what you eat and drink while away from home. Excessive consumption of sugary and acidic food and drinks can leave your smile worse for wear.
Sugary foods and beverages promote bacterial growth, leading to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. Consequently, it’s best to minimize such consumption as much as possible. If you simply have to indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterwards. The water helps wash away harmful sugars that would otherwise stick to your teeth.
5. Stay hydrated with water
Proper hydration is essential for overall health and the well-being of your teeth. If you’re vacationing somewhere hot, it’s crucial to drink enough water. Sugary beverages, fruit juices, and alcoholic drinks are not a substitute for water; rather, they can actually harm your teeth.
Whenever you drink something sugary or acidic, you’re bathing your teeth in sugar and acid. These sugars and acids cling to the surface of your teeth, damaging your tooth enamel, promoting plaque buildup, and causing tooth decay. As a result, you should consume these beverages sparingly (if at all).
Staying hydrated is also crucial for saliva production. Saliva washes away sugar residue, food remnants, acids, and plaque. It also helps maintain a healthy oral pH level. When you drink enough water, you’re giving your mouth what it needs to protect your oral health.
6. Protect your teeth during adventure activities
If your idea of a vacation involves adrenaline-pumping adventure activities and outdoor sports, then it’s paramount to protect your smile. A custom mouthguard does just that. By wearing a mouthguard during high-impact sports, you can prevent dental injuries that would otherwise send you to the emergency dentist during your vacation.
Custom mouthguards are an investment in your smile and oral health. If you gravitate towards activities that put your teeth or gums at risk, you need a mouthguard.
Before a Vacation, Visit Your Toronto Dentist at Bloor West Smiles!
Bloor West Smiles, one of the best dental clinics in Toronto, has provided exceptional dental care to the Greater Toronto Area for more than 25 years. We are devoted to the health of our patients and pride ourselves on building long-term relationships. Our personalized approach to dental treatment and our welcoming atmosphere have earned us the loyalty and respect of our community.
Before your upcoming summer vacation, visit the oral health professionals at Bloor West Smiles. We’ll give you something to smile about!
To learn more about our dental care services in Toronto, call Bloor West Smiles at 416-766-2853 or contact us here.
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