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10 Teeth Care Tips for Summer Vacation

You’ve put in a lot of effort, and now it’s the right time to take a break!

Go on vacation, but don’t forget all the good teeth care habits you’ve established. Making sure you take care of your smile even while out of town is easy and the right thing to do.

Before you get ready for your getaway, here are some teeth care tips from Century Dental. Keep your pearly whites protected even while out on vacation.

Dental Health: A Window to Your Body’s Overall Wellness

The body’s natural defenses and good oral hygiene help keep bacteria under control. Without proper hygiene, bacteria grow to levels that could lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

The health of your teeth and mouth could be a contributing factor to many diseases and conditions, such as:

  • Pneumonia: Bacteria in the mouth can reach the lungs, resulting in pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
  • Cardiovascular disease: Although it isn’t clear how this could be, research suggests that stroke, heart disease, and clogged vessels might be related to inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria.
  • Endocarditis: This is an infection of your heart valves or chambers that occurs when germs or bacteria from another area of your body, like your mouth, enter your bloodstream and adhere to certain areas of your heart.
  • Pregnancy and birth complications: A history of periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

As such, it’s important to follow teeth care tips strictly. Maintaining your dental health, even on vacation, is key to keeping your body healthy.

Summer Dental Care Challenges You Should Know

Summer means sun, swimming, camping, and having fun in general, but it might lead you to put your dental routine on hold. It’s easy to forget about brushing your teeth after staying up all night.

During summer, your dentist will recommend you still brush twice per day and floss once a week to keep your teeth in the best possible condition.

Here are some oral health care challenges you might encounter during summer:

1. Chlorine Exposure on Swimming Pools

Chlorine is a practical and effective way to kill bacteria in swimming pools and drinking water. However, it harms your enamel. The pH levels in chlorinated pools and hot tubs can erode your tooth enamel.

Of course, you’re unlikely to swim with your mouth open (and if you do, don’t), but water may occasionally get into your mouth.

2. More Time to Eat

As summer is mostly for fun and enjoyment, families usually make it a tradition to indulge in mouthwatering treats—different seafood platters, desserts, and cold beverages.

The food you eat can lodge between your teeth for long periods and feed bacteria that cause cavities.

3. Hot Weather

Most people enjoy sucking or chewing on ice to cool down, especially when the weather reaches extreme temperatures. While chewing on ice might be your favorite thing to do during summer, your dentist might not think it’s a good idea; chewing on ice can cause tiny fractures to develop and weaken your teeth. When the teeth become weaker, they may break off or get damaged, allowing more bacteria access to your teeth, leading to cavities.

10 Oral Hygiene Tips to Get Your Teeth Ready for Summer

Maintain your pearly whites even if you’re away from home. Here are some summer dental tips to keep in mind:

1. Put together an oral hygiene travel kit.

One of the most important summer dental tips is to keep your toothbrush and all your oral hygiene supplies handy, so you can brush your teeth when on vacation. Ensure your family’s continued good oral health by packing a kit that includes everything you need—a toothbrush, mouthwash, and dental floss.

2. Store your toothbrush properly.

It is easy to forget about your toothbrush when traveling. You may even feel tempted to leave it in your bag after brushing your teeth each morning. Don’t fall into this habit; inside your luggage is a dark and damp environment where bacteria thrive.

Make sure your toothbrush is as dry and clean as possible. Allow your toothbrush to air dry on its own when you reach your destination.

3. Bring floss picks.

One of the many teeth care tips you should keep in mind is to bring floss picks; they’re an excellent way to keep your teeth clean while on the move. You can use them while on the road or while waiting for your flight. You can also use one immediately after eating or snacking.

4. Schedule a dental appointment before you leave for vacation.

Before leaving for your vacation, your dentist can help you uncover any possible summer dental concerns, such as chipped teeth, tooth decay, and cavities. They will examine your teeth and gums, take digital X-rays, and clean your teeth during this checkup.

5. Snack healthy.

Don’t worry too much about your diet while on vacation. But do keep in mind: sweets, fruit juices, simple starches, and sodas can damage your tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

One essential thing to remember about teeth care is to eat tooth-friendly snacks and regular brushing and flossing. Bring healthy snacks like carrot sticks, apples, and celery on your outings.

6. Bring travel-size toothpaste.

Another one of those teeth care tips guaranteed to keep your oral health in check while on vacation is to bring small amounts of your toothpaste and other dental care essentials. If you have to fly to your vacation destination, you will need liquids in a smaller container. You may need to take a small amount of toothpaste and a toothbrush. You can also pack mini-sized mouthwash bottles for long car trips and layovers.

7. Stay hydrated.

Drinking water directly benefits your dental health. Swimming and drinking alcohol can dehydrate you, preventing your mouth from producing enough saliva. A dry mouth does not have enough saliva to wash away plaque, allowing bacteria to thrive.

This is one of the essential teeth care tips to follow. Stay hydrated to prevent tooth decay and improve overall health.

8. Don’t chew on ice.

Ice is harder than you think. Chewing on it is tempting, especially if it’s in food and beverages. However, this can damage your teeth. Drink something cool without ice, or just leave the ice alone in your glass.

9. Fit your oral hygiene routine into your schedule.

It’s easy to lose track of time, especially traveling to international destinations and changing time zones.

One of the teeth care tips you must follow is to brush, floss, and swish regularly to preserve your smile’s health and beauty.

10. End the day with a thorough cleaning.

When you finally arrive at your destination (whether it is a hotel or your grandma’s house), take a moment to care for your teeth. Ensure everyone in your family flosses and brushes their teeth properly. Remind them of effective oral hygiene tips.

Century Dental Has Your Dental Needs Covered

Aside from following summer dental tips, visit your trusted dental provider.

If you’re looking for a dentist in South Pasadena, FL, choose Century Dental. We’re your partner in keeping your dental health in optimum condition. Before heading out of town, ask for teeth care tips, examination, and dental cleaning.

It’s also important to schedule an appointment once you’re back from vacation. Visit us today!

Dr. Abdullah M. Allawnha

Dr. Abdullah M. Allawnha

Dr. Allawnha, born in New Orleans and raised in Windsor, Canada, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Windsor. He worked as an ER nurse in Detroit, Michigan, before moving to Morgantown, West Virginia, to become a dentist. He completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry while still working as a nurse until he graduated.

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