Unfortunately, many people neglect their teeth during their travels. This then results in bleeding gums, bad breath, or other dental health issues. While on a long drive or flight, you will likely eat meals or snacks and likely have a beverage as well. Sometimes travels can take hours or even days. If you aren’t allocating time to your dental hygiene you may put your oral health at risk. So here are a few tips on how you can maintain your dental hygiene during your long travels.

1. Schedule a Dental Appointment
The last thing you want to experience once you get to your destination is to book an emergency dental procedure. To prevent this, ensure to visit your dentist prior to any lengthy trips to check up on the current condition of your oral health. At the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa, our dentists will do a general check-up on your teeth. This is to ensure that your teeth are in good shape before you travel. If there are any issues with your teeth or gums, you can go through the necessary procedure and treatments prior to your trip.

2. Check on What You Eat While Traveling
When travelling, it can be hard to maintain a healthy diet. Thus, you can overindulge in sugary and sticky foods and alcohol. Note that this will adversely affect oral health, such as gum disease and tooth decay. In some situations, it’s hard to avoid sugary meals. Therefore, if you consume them, ensure to rinse your mouth with mouthwash or water immediately. Pack a small oral health kit in your personal bag for easy access during travels. 

3. Keep Your Toothbrush Dry
After brushing your teeth, it’s critical that your toothbrush is dry before packing it. Note that a wet toothbrush is a breeding ground for bacteria. Also, ensure to ventilate your toothbrush. For this, it’s best to use a toothbrush holder while travelling to keep your toothbrush clean and dry. 

4. Stay Hydrated
Doubtlessly, drinking plenty water is good for your health. What’s more, it’s also good for your teeth. Notably, dehydration can affect oral health as your teeth are susceptible to oral infections. Drinking water helps the body produce enough saliva, which balances PH levels in the mouth.

Another alternative for stimulating saliva production is sugar-free chewing gum. With enough saliva, you can prevent the overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth.

Additionally, if you can’t brush or floss your teeth immediately, water can help rinse food particles and bacteria from your mouth. To ensure the water is safe to drink, carry bottled water. In addition, you should avoid taking alcohol during your long flights. This is because it can cause more dehydration. 

Benefits of Maintaining Good Dental Care During Travels

Prevents Bad Breath
Understand that there are many reasons for bad breath while travelling. Notably, when you’re on a plane, a lot of your body functions will slow down. This also means that there will be slow production of saliva. With less saliva, bacteria in your mouth will multiply. A change in diet and taking sugary foods or failing to eat through the flight encourages halitosis. You’ll keep bacteria away by maintaining good dental care during your long-haul flight. With these measures, you can arrive to your destination with fresh breath.

Prevent Dental Emergencies
It can be uncomfortable to travel with a toothache. Thus, before you go for a long flight, you’ll need a check-up to ensure all is well. Another way to prevent dental emergencies on the plane is to avoid foods that can crack your teeth. By watching out for your dental hygiene while on your flight, you’ll help avoid any dental issues.

Note that there are unforeseeable situations that might occur during your long flights. To prepare for this, you need to have a dental emergency kit. Pain relievers are among the things that should be in the kit.

In addition, ensure to stock your dental hygiene kit with all the necessary items. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss. Ensure to carry small hygiene items that can fit your bag that is easy to reach throughout your travels.

Planning a long trip? Schedule a dental check up with us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa. Making sure that your oral health is in good condition will make your trip a lot more stress free. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!