Summertime means vacations and weekend trips with your family, but it’s important for everyone to stay healthy while you’re on the go. This includes oral health. While you’re staying in vacation rentals and trying out local sweets, it can be tricky to make dental wellness a priority. The following are some basic tips to help your little ones maintain oral hygiene during your next trip. 

5 Tips to Help Your Kids Practice Oral Hygiene While on the Road

1. Stick to a Routine

Children thrive on routines, but it’s easy for them to fall out of regular habits on vacation. As a parent, it’s your job to keep your family on track and encourage daily brushing. Tell your children to brush their teeth before you leave the vacation rental and before they go to bed at night. Keeping some sort of structure to your day will help them remember to brush.

2. Pack Travel Toothbrushes

Double check everyone’s bags to make sure they’ve packed a toothbrush. To keep it clean, seal the brush in a plastic bag or travel case. This will prevent bacteria from infecting the bristles. If your children forget their brush, you can always purchase a new one when you arrive. 

3. Limit Sugary Snacks

Vacation is all about indulging, but you don’t want to compromise oral hygiene by over-eating sugary treats. Try to encourage your children to drink water rather than soda on the plane, and introduce healthy foods when possible. When they do enjoy sugary snacks, urge your children to brush their teeth soon after to avoid cavities. 

4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

It can be tricky to find time to brush on long travel days. When you and your children eat a meal on the road or in the airport, pass out sugar-free gum after. Gum boosts the flow of saliva, which can wash bacteria and food particles out of your mouth.  

5. Locate the Nearest Dentist

Accidents happen when traveling with kids. Before you leave for your trip, know where the closest pediatric dentist is located. This way, you can be prepared if one of your children chips a tooth or has another dental emergency. The extra peace of mind can allow you to relax a bit more on your vacation. 

Whether you’re at home or on the go, the team at Kid Smiles can cover your family’s oral hygiene needs. Located in High Point, NC, these dentists and staff provide friendly and compassionate pediatric dental services at affordable prices. They offer general, cosmetic, and orthodontic treatments to help your child smile with confidence. From your child’s first appointment, the team will educate them on dental hygiene best practices so they’re equipped to protect their smile, even on vacation. To view a full list of services, visit them online, or call (336) 885-5437 to book an appointment today.