The holidays can be a great time to reconnect with family and friends or even for taking a little while to get out of town and visit an exotic locale. However, neglecting your oral hygiene while travelling can set you up for nasty oral infections and painful dental emergencies. Here’s a quick guide to a few excellent ways to keep your teeth in good health when taking a trip for the holidays.
Pack a Portable Hygiene Kit
Harmful oral bacteria don’t take vacations, so you’ll need to carry everything you need to keep your teeth clean and healthy with you when you go on a trip. Start with a clean case that can be easily washed and fill it with:
- A toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Travel-sized antibacterial mouthwash
- Any orthodontic appliances or supplies you need
- A nightguard if you grind your teeth in your sleep
- An athletic mouthguard if you intend to engage in sporting activities like skiing
Schedule a Dental Visit for a Few Weeks Before You Leave
The early stages of a severe dental infection can be difficult to detect without the help of a qualified professional, so it might be a great idea to have your next dental checkup a few weeks before you leave for your holiday vacation. This will allow your dentist to address issues like cavities and gum disease while they are still in their early stages, which can prevent them from developing into more serious problems like an agonizing toothache or a dental abscess while you are out of town.
Get in Touch with an Emergency Dentist at Your Destination
Nothing can ruin a good vacation quite like a dental emergency if you are unprepared for it. Thankfully, your dentist will be happy to help you set up a line of communication with an emergency dentist near your vacation destination. This way, they’ll be able to send your information to the emergency dentist’s office in case an accident happens or a toothache develops while you are on vacation. Just contact your dentist and the one near your destination, explain that you’re going on a trip, and give each the other’s contact information so they can get in touch if necessary.
Don’t let your oral health fall to the wayside when you’re travelling over the holidays. Taking care of your teeth will allow you to enjoy having a gorgeous smile while on vacation.
About the Practice
Brown, Reynolds, Snow, LeNoir Dentistry offers the finest oral health services at two offices in Richmond. Led by Drs. Stephen C. Brown, Elizabeth C. Reynolds, Bobby LeNoir, Neil Snow, and Thomas McConnel, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and exemplary customer care. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about keeping your teeth healthy or to schedule your next checkup, contact the practice online.