Important Steps Every Traveler Should Take to Protect their Oral Health
Summer is fast approaching, which means you may be heading on a big vacation in the near future! As you prepare for your trip, be certain not to miss these 5 important steps that will help you to maintain good oral health while you’re away.
Step 1: Complete your packing list with oral health essentials.
As you pack your bathing suit and sunblock, there are a few other items you should not forget to put in your suitcase. First, you’ll want to make sure you buy a good travel case for your toothbrush. It is important that the travel case is not too small and that it has holes for ventilation and drainage. Without proper ventilation, your toothbrush could become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Also, don’t forget to bring dental floss and a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash. These are important to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis, and they will come in handy if you’re indulging in more sweets than usual on your trip!
Step 2: Schedule a check-up for before your flight departs.
There is nothing worse than needing to get emergency dental care in a foreign place! In order to make sure you don’t have any hidden oral health issues that could crop up during your trip, be sure to schedule a check-up before you leave. At Hinsdale Dental, we’ll confirm you are in good oral health using x-rays, an examination, and a professional cleaning. If any issues should arise, we’ll be able to get your teeth in good shape with restorative treatments that may save you a lot of hassle down the road.
Step 3: Print out our contact information to carry with you.
Just as you might carry a paper copy of your passport or health insurance information, it is important to carry the information of your healthcare professionals in case of an emergency. This also includes your dentist at Hinsdale Dental! Should you have any dental emergencies while you’re away, a quick phone call to our office will allow us to help you with your next moves. We’ll help you decide whether or not your treatment can wait until you get back home, or if you need to stop into a dentist’s office straight away. In the case that you might need immediate dental care, simply contact the local consulate or US embassy to get recommendations for an office to visit.
Step 4: Be mindful of the water supply.
Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need to be careful about the water supply you’re using to brush your teeth. If you cannot drink the water, we highly recommend that you do not use it to brush or rinse your teeth either. Be sure to use only bottled water on your toothbrush. If you accidentally put your toothbrush under the faucet, we recommend that you replace the toothbrush before using it again. If this is not an option, than be sure to wash it thoroughly with bottled water. This will help you to avoid getting sick from the local water supply.
Step 5: Get back into your routine.
If you feel that you’ve slightly veered off course from your oral healthcare routine, don’t fret! It happens to the best of us. Just make sure that you get back on track when you return from your travels. Remember to brush twice a day and after meals, floss every night, and add a mouthwash into your regimen if possible.
To schedule a dental check-up before you leave, call Hinsdale Dental today!
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