School’s out for the summer and it’s time to hit the road. Before you embark on a family adventure, keep a few tips in mind so everyone stays safe and healthy. Here, the pediatric dentists at Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, explain how to keep up with oral health care while away from home. 

How to Practice Good Dental Hygiene Away From Home

1. Pack Travel-Size Products

Pack all of the oral hygiene products and tools your family typically uses at home. If you have checked baggage or are driving, take regular-sized tubes of toothpaste and mouthwash. However, you should still take travel-sized items in a carry-on or purse, which will make it easier to brush teeth at rest stops or airports during breaks and layovers.

2. Be Prepared for an Emergency

Hopefully, your vacation will be relaxing and worry-free, but you should still be prepared for emergencies. Keep your dentist’s phone number handy in case someone chips a tooth, cracks a filling, or has another urgent issue. Although your dentist can’t attend to the problem from afar, they can help you figure out what to do.

3. Schedule a Check-Up Before Leaving

Before you leave, schedule a check-up for your family. You should visit a dentist twice a year, and June and January are the perfect times to do so. You’ll start off the new year and the summer with a clean, healthy mouth. During this exam, your dentist can also alert you if anything needs to be fixed right away, like a cavity, which could grow if not addressed.

4. Watch Your Diet

Nutrition is essential to your family’s overall well-being. You may not eat the same as you do at home, but that doesn’t mean foregoing healthy meals altogether. Feel free to indulge in the occasional treat as long as you enjoy sweets in moderation. Sugar feeds oral bacteria, leading to plaque and cavities. Summer is the ideal time to try local produce like fresh fruits, which are an excellent substitute for candy and desserts.

Make sure your family is feeling their best this summer by scheduling a checkup with the dentists at Pediatric Dental Group. These compassionate professionals have served Oahu families since 1966, providing personalized care for infants, children, and adolescents. Their emphasis on preventative dentistry and education impresses good habits upon their young patients. Call (808) 593-8828 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more.