When you’re traveling to visit family and friends over the holidays, there’s a lot to plan. You have to shop for gifts, pack your luggage and even pack an entirely different wardrobe for your travel. And while you think tossing a toothbrush into your luggage is all you have to do to promote optimal dental health while traveling, our team at Dr. Mylena Ji DDS, Inc. knows great travel dental care takes more than just that. You want to avoid the need to visit an emergency dentist in Torrance when you return, so it’s important to make sure you’re working great dental care into your travel plans. An expert general dentist in Torrance from our team at Dr. Mylena Ji DDS, Inc. has put together some top tips for protecting your smile while traveling this holiday season:
- Pack a dental kit. Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss should always be in your luggage when taking any trip. Make sure your carrying case for your dental kit is clean and free of contaminants, along with packing your brush only when it’s dry.
- Consider mealtime cleaning. Our general dentist in Torrance recommends brushing your teeth an hour after meals, which can be hard to do for midday meals. While you may not want to carry around a toothbrush, you can fit convenient pocket-sized disposable dental cleaning products. Most drugstores carry these supplies.
- Stay hydrated. Whether you’re flying or taking a long drive, it’s all too easy to get dehydrated while traveling. And dehydration isn’t just tiring, it can actually put your teeth in danger. When your mouth dries out, the bacteria that can cause your teeth damage run rampant. Help protect your smile by staying hydrated.
- Bring sugarless gum. If you can’t clean your teeth between meals, then sugarless gum can help remove contaminants. It’s also good for chewing when you’re feeling dehydrated during your travels, as the gum can stimulate the flow of saliva to protect your teeth.
- Eat smart. Don’t let your healthy dental habits take a backseat while traveling. Avoid foods and drinks that stain, such as highly acidic wines and fruits. If you do indulge in these treats, make sure that you’re properly cleaning your mouth afterwards.
At Dr. Mylena Ji DDS, Inc., we don’t think that great dental health should take a vacation. Avoid dental mishaps while traveling by following these tips and practicing safe dental care. By keeping your smile at its best throughout your holiday travels, you can help avoid the need to visit an emergency dentist in Torrance when you return home.