It’s summer again. The kids are off from school and the weather is perfect for a little getaway. If you are a camper you’ve probably booked your plans in advance and are ready to go! Fresh air, star gazing, and bonfires are just a few of your favorite things. Dr. Joy Lunan, a dentist of the Middlebury, CT area reminds you not to forget about your oral hygiene while you are away. 

Here are some tips for your upcoming excursion:

Brushing – You should be brushing two times a day for two minutes each time but you may wonder what to do if you don’t have a sink. Use a bottle of water to wet your toothbrush and rinse your mouth. Keep your toothbrush in a breathable container also. Things like plastic bags can lock in moisture, creating a perfect environemnt for bacteria to grow.

Bonfire Snacks– Of course you are going to have the camping staple –s’mores! It wouldn’t be a proper camping trip without them. Try to include some new healthy recipes like apple slices roasted with cinnamon, or stuff some chocolate between a couple slices of banana. Have each member of your trip come up with a new recipe and judge which one you enjoy best – keeping in mind they should be healthy. 

First Aid – When you are putting your first aid kit together, don’t forget dental items too. Bring your dentist’s telephone number in case you have any questions, and your dental insurance info in case you need to visit a dentist where you are. It never hurts to have a package of temporary cement from the drug store too.

Hydration – It’s always important to drink water and stay hydrated, especially in the warmer weather. Sipping on water not only keeps you hydrated, it can help keep your mouth clean in between brushing.

Carry Out What You Carry In – Most outdoors people are familiar with the saying “leave no trace”. This basically means if you bring it with you, you must also take it away with you. This includes any trash, including floss and disposable items like travel-sized toothpaste tubes, single use toothbrushes and paper cups. 

Mouth-Friendly Recipe – Garlic Parmesan Veggies:

No need for hot dogs on a stick every night – try these foil packets that you can even prepare in advance for a menu that’s flavorful and healthy too!     

1. Whisk together 3T. olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 T. italian seasonings, 1/4t. onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl.

2.  Mix together 24 oz. broccoli florets, 16oz. halved baby potatoes and 10 oz. baby carrots

3. Cut 4 sheets of foil, each about 1 foot long and place equal portions of veggies on each piece. Drizzle olive oil mixture over the tops and fold up foil to seal the packets.

4. Place the packets in a plastic bag, and store in a cooler until ready to cook. Cook over hot coals until soft and tender. Remove from coals, open packets and sprinkle with parmesan cheeese. Cool slightly and serve. 

Hopefully you find these tips helpful and can include some of them in your upcoming camping excursion. If you have any pointers that you and your family have found that work for you, please share them with us. We’d love to hear from you!  From all of us at Dr. Joy Lunan’s dental office – have a wonderful trip! 

             www.middleburydentist.com       (203) 598-7920