You
can go on vacation, but you can’t take a vacation from caring for your teeth! A
sudden toothache can quickly undermine all the time and money you spent
planning that perfect holiday.
Are your teeth fit to travel? Schedule an
appointment with your dentist before you travel. This does not mean that you
breeze into the clinic the day before you leave with complaints of chronic pain.
Allow enough time to complete any necessary work. Inform your dentist about your travel plans so potential teeth problems can be
addressed.
Pack your Dental Hygiene Kit! Your toothbrush
should be carried in a clean case which allows air circulation. Clean the case
before and after your trip. Unpack your brush once you reach your destination and
place it upright to dry in a container. The same should be done on your return
home. Prolonged storage in a travel case lets bacteria flourish. Floss and
folding brushes are compact and can be carried everywhere. Are you packing for
the wilderness? In such cases, even rinsing with water and brushing without
tooth-paste will help maintain oral hygiene.
Food for thought… Eating
habits are often changed during vacation. Increased snacking on sugary goodies
can take their toll on your teeth. In this case, regular oral hygiene becomes
even more important. Sugarless gum stimulates saliva flow, which helps to
cleanse your teeth. Research suggests that drinking white tea (commonly known
as Chinese tea) may help to destroy cavity-forming bacteria.
Emergency Management.
Loss of a dental filling or prosthesis is one of the most common dental emergencies.
A cap or bridge should be retained, because it is likely your dentist can
re-attach it. Sometimes even a fractured piece of tooth can be re-bonded. In
some countries, over the counter dental cements are available which can be used
as a temporary fix. Dental First-Aid Kits also contain quick remedies to simple
dental emergencies.
Travel Insurance I’m often asked advice
on whether to buy travel dental insurance. Yes, this is always a good idea! The
best insurance, however, is to have your teeth in tip-top shape before you depart :)
