It’s easy to forget proper dental hygiene when you are traveling all over the world. Your main goal as a traveler is to have fun and see all of the amazing sights that the place has to offer, which means that dental and overall physical hygiene can easily be pushed aside.
However, taking care of your teeth and gums is still a huge must when you are traveling. You have to remember that bacteria can easily build up inside your mouth, which can be the main cause of tooth decay and bad breath.
Today, we will give you some important tips to keep in mind when traveling to make sure that your dental health stays perfect.
Keep a Bottle of Water with you at All Times
Always keep your toothbrush and a bottle of water with you at all times to make sure that you can brush your teeth anytime you need to. This is especially important if you are traveling to a place where the water supply scarce or if you are not sure if the water in that specific area is clean.
Also, make sure to pack a mini toothpaste and a mini bottle of mouthwash to make sure you can rinse your mouth at all times.
Always Carry a Pack of Gum
Another thing that you should always remember to put in your carry-on bag is a pack of gum. Make sure to choose sugar-free gum instead of the sweetened ones to prevent the cavities from creeping up in your teeth.
Whenever you are in a plane and you have just finished eating, try your best to brush your teeth in the lavatory. If you are squeezed in between chairs and aisles though, just grab your pack of gum and start chewing on it to keep the saliva flowing and wash away the cavity-causing bacteria to form inside your mouth.
Properly Store your Toothbrush
Your toothbrush needs proper air to dry and prevent the bacteria from growing in it. Sealing it in will keep the moisture locked inside, which can be home to a lot of bacteria.
Make sure to get a container with lots of holes to store your toothbrush in. This will help your toothbrush breathe while allowing it to get completely dry in the process.
Be Resourceful
Leaving your toothbrush behind can be a problem, but there are things that you can do to still clean your teeth even if there are no drug stores or convenience stores to buy a toothbrush from.
If you have a tube of toothpaste with you, you can easily take some on your finger or a clean washcloth and swirl it around your teeth and inside your mouth. Make sure that your fingers are clean before doing this to prevent spreading bacteria inside your mouth.
Alternatively, you can also rinse your mouth with clean water to wash away the cavity-causing bacteria. If you have a bottle of mouthwash around, then make sure to rinse your mouth with it during your flight to help prevent the bacteria from settling inside your mouth.
Once you get out of the plane or your hotel, look for a drugstore where you can buy a toothbrush and brush your teeth right away.
Emergency Dental Issues
If you are in another country or city and you are miles away from your dentist, but you are in need of emergency dental services, then make sure to do your research when it comes to nearby dentists around.
You definitely want to visit the best dentist in the area, as we are talking about your teeth and your overall dental hygiene. Ask the concierge in your hotel for some recommendations and look it up on the internet to make sure that they are qualified and certified dentists. You can also read reviews on Google to make sure that they are the best in the area.
Dental Hygiene for Mouth Piercings
If you are traveling and you have a new or old tongue or lip piercing, it is very important for you to keep your dental hygiene in its best shape. Not brushing your teeth can easily lead to an infection, which can be a hassle when traveling.
Make sure to brush your teeth after every meal or two to three times a day to prevent the bacteria from forming in and around your tongue or lip piercing. You definitely do not want to visit the hospital while traveling just because you forgot to brush your teeth and got a piercing infection, so make sure to always follow proper dental hygiene.
Summary/Takeaway
Create a checklist of what you need to bring with you before going on a trip. Make sure to include a toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste, mouthwash, and a bottle of water so you can always brush your teeth when you are on the go. A pack of gum can also help, so make sure to visit your nearest convenience store and stock up before your trip.