It’s no secret that vacations can do wonders for your mental health. Just taking a few days off can drastically reduce anxiety, ease insomnia, and even improve your focus.
That said, those same all-important vacations can wreak havoc on your oral health if you aren’t careful.
Your oral health can affect every other aspect of your physical well-being. So, while a few slip-ups while your traveling might not seem like a big deal, you could wind up paying for them in a big way later on.
Here are a few helpful tips to help you maintain a healthy mouth no matter where your adventures take you.
How’s the Water?
While you may use regular tap water for brushing your teeth at home, this might not be the best idea in some other countries.
If you’re staying somewhere where you’re not supposed to drink the water, then you shouldn’t use that water to brush your teeth either.
Try keeping a resealable water bottle in the bathroom that way you have easy access to clean and safe water whenever you go to brush your teeth.
Don’t Forget the Floss
There’s no such thing as being too prepared! While the goal of most travelers is to pack as light as possible, you don’t want to get caught somewhere without a toothbrush or floss.
Travel is full of the unexpected. While it may seem unlikely now, you could lose your toothbrush or run out of toothpaste before your trip is over.
So, make a point to pack an extra toothbrush, a spare tube of toothpaste, and a few additional packs of floss just in case.
Beware of Excess Sugar!
Vacation is a time for overindulgence. It’s healthy to cast the rules aside once in a while in the name of relaxing and enjoying ourselves.
And, while it’s OK to leave your diet at the airport, you should try to keep your sugar consumption in check for the duration of your trip.
Go ahead and have an ice cream cone on the beach — but maybe limit yourself to one a day.
Store Your Toothbrush Correctly
Believe it or not, there is a wrong way to pack a toothbrush.
If you throw your toothbrush in your suitcase with everything else, there’s a good chance it could get damaged. And, an even better one it could come into contact with something you don’t want to put in your mouth.
Make sure to pack your toothbrush either in a case or with a ventilated cover, and to dry it before packing it up to keep it from getting moldy.
Don’t Ignore Dental Emergencies!
Nothing says “vacation” like a trip to the dentist.
The last thing you want to do while enjoying your well-deserved time off is waste time sitting in a waiting room. But, ignoring a slight toothache now can lead to serious trouble once you return home.
There are fantastic dentist offices all around the world like I Love my Dentist in Tijuana. So, if you’re traveling abroad, take a little time to find a reliable dentist near where you’ll be staying just in case.
Maintaining a Healthy Mouth While on Vacation
Going on vacation does not have to mean taking a break from our better habits. Keeping up with your dental hygiene doesn’t have to be a chore. A few minutes each day can pay off in a big way in the long run.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy mouth no matter where your next adventure takes you.
Are you looking for more travel tips and tricks? We’ve got you covered.
Check out the rest of our “Travel” section for more advice on how to make the most out of your next vacation.