05 Dec Travel Tips for Your Teeth
Just because you’re going on vacation or traveling for business reasons, it doesn’t mean that you get a break from your oral hygiene routine. It’s important to plan for keeping your teeth healthy as much as it is to develop your sightseeing agenda or hash out your conference presentation. Here are some tips for protecting your oral health when you are away from home.
What – And How – To Pack
Be sure to take your toothbrush and floss with you. Also, it matters how you store your toothbrush while you travel. Place your toothbrush in a resealable plastic bag in order to separate it from other belongings in your luggage. Remove the toothbrush from that bag as soon as you arrive at your destination in order to give it a chance to air out.
If you forget your toothbrush, most hotels will provide a replacement to guests free of charge. In a pinch, you can put toothpaste on a clean finger and brush that way, although that is not an ideal solution. If you are in another country, you should use bottled water to brush your teeth to avoid contracting any illnesses.
Handling Dental Emergencies Away From Home
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, including when hundreds or thousands of miles separate you from your dentist. You should take our phone number with you when you travel and call our office if anything comes up. We may be able to help guide you to a temporary fix over the phone and see you when you get back for further treatment. If something needs immediate treatment, we can advise you of that, as well. If you happen to be traveling abroad and need dental treatment, the employees at the U.S. embassy or consulate office in that city should be able to recommend providers to you.
After You Come Home
If you’ve been a little lax with brushing and flossing while you were away, it’s important to get back on track as soon as possible when you get back home. Be even more conscientious about brushing and flossing than you are normally. Also, if you did not see your dentist before your trip and need to schedule a checkup to stay on track for your six-month schedule, make that a priority as well.
We want to help you keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible whether you’re at home or on the road. Contact the office of Dr. Philip Kozlow to ask any questions that you may have about taking care of your oral health while traveling, or come in for a checkup to have any problems addressed before you depart. Happy trails!