Going on Vacation? Here Are 5 Oral Health Tips to Keep in Mind

If you’re like most Americans, last year’s summer plans were canceled indefinitely as the novel COVID-19 virus continued to spread. Fortunately, many of the restrictions are being lifted, which means that it’s time to schedule your much-deserved vacation! To ensure your time off is as relaxing as possible and doesn’t result in potentially costly dental problems, make sure to keep these summer oral health tips in mind.

#1. Schedule Your Six-Month Dental Appointment

Although dental injuries aren’t entirely preventable, many of them are. To prevent chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth from turning your afternoon fun in the sun into an urgent trip to the nearest emergency dentist, schedule your bi-yearly dental checkup and cleaning before you leave town. Not only will this ensure any untreated dental concerns are handled swiftly, but it will also provide you with a bright, beautiful, clean smile for your vacation!

#2. Drink Plenty of Water

Whether you’re chilling by the pool working on your tan or climbing to the top of a mountain to catch some breathtaking views, make sure you always have a bottle of water within arms’ reach. In addition to keeping you hydrated, sipping on H2O throughout the day will rinse away debris and food particles that would’ve otherwise clung to your teeth.

#3. Don’t Forget to Pack Your Toothbrush

No matter how well you pack, it’s seemingly inevitable that you will forget one essential. Just make sure it isn’t your toothbrush! Neglecting to clean your teeth for even one day can allow cavity-causing plaque and bacteria to wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. Therefore, double and triple-check that you have your toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash for your trip.

#4. Use a Straw

From ice-cold sodas by the pool to evening glasses of wine with dinner, part of going on vacation is unwinding and indulging in some of your favorite things. Fortunately, you don’t have to give those up for the sake of your oral health. Just make sure to use a straw to avoid unsightly stains and unpleasant enamel erosion.

#5. Don’t Go to Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth

At the end of a long day spent in the sun, your bed may look oh-so-tempting. But don’t hop under the covers until after you brush your teeth! Use your soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums, which takes about two minutes to do. Then, gently floss and rinse with mouthwash to clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Once your entire oral health routine is complete, you can rest up for the next day of adventures.

After the last year, you deserve a truly relaxing vacation. To ensure you don’t have to worry about cavities and tooth decay following your trip, make sure to keep the above tips in mind!

About the Practice

At East Islip Dental Care, you’ll find a multi-specialty team that is here for all your dental needs, from essential preventive care and smile-transforming cosmetic dentistry to last-minute emergency treatment. Plus, we are open seven days a week, which ensures you can easily fit an appointment into your schedule amid all of your vacation planning to-dos. If you’re overdue for your bi-yearly checkup and cleaning, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via website or by phone at 631-581-8600.