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The holiday season is when many people travel for vacations and family get-togethers. If you’ll be traveling, keep up your normal oral hygiene routine and take extra precautions to ensure optimum dental care while you’re away. Here are a few ways you can maintain your smile during your travels.

How to Care for Your Teeth on a Trip

1. Schedule a Pre-Trip Appointment

A dental checkup will ensure you don’t have any cavities, gum problems, or tooth damage to worry about while you’re away. During the appointment, the hygienists will also clean your teeth, equipping you with a sparkling smile for your travels. Before you leave the office, get your dentist’s contact information in case you have any questions during your vacation.

2. Pack a Dental Care Bag

dental careDesignate a travel pouch for dental care items, like a toothbrush and -paste, floss, and mouthwash. While you’re traveling, protect your toothbrush with a cover to prevent exposing it to lint and cosmetics inside the suitcase. However, don’t leave the cap on once you reach your destination, as excess moisture can lead to bacteria. Pack unsweetened gum to chew after your holiday meals—it’ll help your mouth produce saliva, which will wash away cavity-causing bacteria and food debris.

3. Watch What You Eat

During the holidays, many people are offered delicious pastries, drinks, candies, and dishes. Be mindful of your consumption of starches and sugars, which will feed bacteria and cause decay. Substitute hot chocolate with a sugar-free variety or supplement your holiday roast with vegetables instead of mashed potatoes.

 

For more travel dental care tips, contact Lisa Valderueda DMD, and her team in Waipahu, HI. These professionals provide their patients with several cosmetic and preventive dentistry solutions, including routine cleanings, teeth whitening treatments, and veneers. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 676-5711 to schedule an appointment before your trip.

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