Travel Tips for Your Teeth

Traveling can be an enjoyable — and sometimes stressful — event. Whether it’s for a vacation, family gathering or business, traveling takes us out of our normal routine and can often interfere with standard self-care strategies. Oral health is more likely to be overlooked while traveling. Plus, food choices while traveling are often less than ideal, which can further hinder one’s ability to take care of the teeth and gums.

Four Tips for Keeping Your Teeth and Gums Healthy During Travel

Here are four tips that every traveler should keep in mind before embarking on a vacation, business trip or other adventure:

1. Pack Travel-Size Toothpaste: A travel-sized tube of toothpaste can be a helpful addition to any suitcase, particularly if traveling to an area where purchasing hygiene products may be difficult. Carrying a small tube of toothpaste may be even more important than having a toothbrush, since a clean finger or washcloth can act as a toothbrush replacement if in a pinch.
2. Ask Hotel Personnel for a Toothbrush and/or Toothpaste: Forgetting a toothbrush or toothpaste is never a fun surprise when arriving at one’s destination; however, most hotels offer free dental hygiene products for guests at the front desk. The hospitality industry anticipates travelers forgetting these essential items and plans accordingly.
3. Purchase Xylitol Chewing Gum: Xylitol, a sugar alcohol, has become more popular in the past decade thanks to an overwhelming amount of research devoted to this powerful bacteria-fighting ingredient. This sugar alcohol actually prevents bacteria from growing in the mouth, helping to reduce decay. Chewing gum made with xylitol instead of sugar or artificial sugar substitutes could be a helpful travel item.
4. Be Mindful of Dietary Choices: Food plays an important role in the development of cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. While vacationing should be enjoyable, it’s important to continue being mindful regarding food choices throughout each travel day. Sugar at every meal, for example, is not recommended, even while on vacation. Moderation is key when it comes to diet and can go a long way in reducing the over-accumulation of bacteria.

Contact Northfield Dental Group Today

Northfield Dental is committed to helping patients improve their oral health. If you want to take active steps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay before it starts, or if you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry options, call us today at (973) 736-0111.