Summer vacation is the time of year we all look forward to. When the sky is big and blue, the sun shines bright, and we’re free to eat all our favourite frozen treats. We all deserve to have fun, but that doesn’t mean we should forget to take care of ourselves.
Maintaining your dental health during your summer vacation is as important as during the busy work and school year. It can be easy to put brushing your teeth on the backburner when you’re focusing on having fun; however, this can lead to various cosmetic and structural issues like stained teeth and decay.
Contact our staff at Agape Dental Clinic for more information about maintaining your oral hygiene. Our dentist near you is happy to answer your questions and provide you with strategies so you can enjoy your summer and stay healthy.
Oral Health Tips
Oral hygiene refers to keeping the structures inside your mouth – teeth, tissues, tongue, cheeks – in good condition. Setting aside time to do so at least twice a day will help you experience optimal wellness and avoid issues that can grow into something more serious if they are left to persist. This is especially important during summer vacation because no one wants to spend time dealing with dental problems when they could be making memories.
Here is a list of reliable tips to help keep your smile strong and beautiful:
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Book an Appointment Before Going Anywhere
Whether you’re going on a road trip or an international vacation, we encourage you to schedule a checkup and cleaning with our dentist before you go. It’s common for people to assume their teeth are fine, especially when pain or sensitivity hasn’t occurred, but this isn’t always the case. Tiny fractures and decay can be exacerbated when you eat something.
Don’t let discomfort ruin your day – visit us for oral hygiene treatment in Milllwoods and save yourself the worry and headaches that come with an emergency trip to the dentist away from home.
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Pack the Essentials
Packing the right dental essentials is just as important as packing the right clothes for the weather. This includes:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Floss
If you’re travelling via an airplane, any liquids like toothpaste and mouthwash must meet the travel requirements of 100ml, or they’ll be confiscated at the airport.
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Store Your Toothbrush Properly
Having your essentials is one thing, but storing them in a safe, dry place is another. After all, if your toothbrush gets broken or lost, it’s not much use. Bacteria thrive in wet environments, so if your toothbrush ends up in such a place, be it from a spill or the weather, it can transfer germs and other particles to your mouth, leading to decay and infections.
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Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is crucial to staying healthy whether at home or abroad. Water flushes unhealthy debris from your system, including your mouth. The bacteria in our mouths love sugar and will feed on it, leading to decay if it isn’t washed away. Water stimulates saliva production, which also cleans your teeth.
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Watch What You Eat
It’s very tempting and easy to consume sugary foods and drinks when we’re away from home and while that is completely fine, do so within reason. It’s no secret that excessive sugar contributes to bacteria growth, which contributes to plaque and tartar formation and, eventually, tooth decay. If possible, brush and floss after a snack or meal; if not, carry mouthwash with you and rinse with it. This will clear away some debris and tide you over until you return home or to your hotel room to brush properly.
Furthermore, opt for fresh fruits and veggies! Nothing tastes better on a hot day than a slice of cool watermelon or pineapple! Its sweet taste will satisfy your craving and supply your body with fibre and good sugars to give you energy.
Lastly, don’t chew on ice cubes, and take small bites when treating yourself to something crunchy. Such items can chip your teeth or crack previously acquired dental restorations.
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Search for Local Dentists
Although we all do our best to stay positive, accidents can and do happen. If you’re participating in an activity or even if you bite down on something too hard, your oral structures can experience damage. Common examples include:
- Tooth fractures
- Lacerations to your lips, cheeks, or tongue
- Extreme sensitivity
- Knocked out tooth
Therefore, making a list of local dental practices in the area where you are staying can save you from headaches and stress. This way, if something should happen to you or a loved one, you know where to go, and there won’t be a delay when acquiring treatment.
Always speak up and let your dentist know if you have inquiries or questions about getting oral hygiene treatment near you when you attend your appointment. At Agape Dental, we are your smiles allies and believe that the more knowledgeable you are about your health and wellness, the more prepared and empowered you’ll be.
Reach Out to Our Team
You deserve to have a great time this summer, and we want you to experience nothing less. Schedule a visit with our skilled dentist in Millwoods today to learn more. We will examine your smile and provide you customized tips and tricks to preserve your smile wherever your adventures take you.
Call or email our dental practice today!
