4 oral health tips to keep in mind on holiday

When your summer holiday is just around the corner it can be difficult to think about anything else, especially if you’ve been waiting all year to get on that plane. However, it’s crucial to remember that just because you’re taking a vacation, that doesn’t mean your commitment to your oral health can!

In fact, it’s more important than ever that while you’re on holiday indulging in some well-earned treats, cocktails and the delicious local cuisine of your destination that you remember to keep up with your regular brushing and tooth care routine so you can avoid any unwanted encounters with toothache or any other oral health problems while you’re off relaxing and having fun in the sun.

So if you’re looking for a quick checklist to refer to before you jet off, you’re in the right place. At AP Smilecare, we’re dedicated to taking care of your smile, so here’s everything you need to know so you can get your teeth as holiday-ready as you are!

#1 See your dentist before you leave

The very best defence you have against any kind of oral health problem is prevention. To avoid any unwanted trips to the dentist while you’re on holiday it’s best to take care of anything that’s cause for concern before you leave. You don’t want to have an emergency dental treatment ruin your holiday fun! Even if you don’t think there’s any cause for concern, a checkup never hurts. That way you can be 100% sure you’re all good to go.

#2 Pack your oral health essentials with care

The best way to make sure you have everything you’re going to need on holiday is to make yourself a little oral health holiday kit! That way you’re not trying to keep track of your bits and bobs when packing and unpacking. Simply place your toothbrush, floss, toothpaste and some mouthwash into pouch and stash it away ready for travel. You can even make use of the mini toothpastes, mouthwashes and floss you can find in the holiday aisle at the supermarket to conserve space. We’d also recommend either buying a new toothbrush for your holiday or making use of toothbrush caps. That way no nasty bacteria can get on your toothbrush while it’s in your suitcase!

#3 Drink plenty of water

It sounds obvious, but it needs to be said. The best (and arguably the easiest) tip we can offer you for summer dental care is to drink plenty of water. Water’s great for your overall health, and it’s also super beneficial for your teeth! Not only will you stay hydrated, but drinking water will help you wash away any lingering sugar from fizzy drinks, sweet treats and cocktails that’ll get stuck to your teeth as you snack or indulge. Leaving it sitting while you go about your day can increase your chances of tooth decay – and no one wants that on holiday!

#4 Be careful when eating hard foods

All food can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet and nothing is by any means off limits – especially on holiday! It’s just wise to keep your teeth in mind when eating certain things – namely harder foods such as sweets or anything that has a strong crunch. The last thing we’d want is for anyone to come face to face with a dental emergency like a chipped or cracked tooth, or even worse a broken tooth while out of the country. This goes for ice too. We know it’s tempting to chew on the ice in your drink when it’s hot out, but as satisfying as it is, it’s best to avoid doing this to be on the safe side.

If you keep all these tips in mind then you’ll be absolutely fine on your travels! And if you need to see a dentist to take care of your holiday dental care needs, come down and see us at AP Smilecare! Our friendly dentists are always happy to help. We have a long history of helping our patients, so if you have any questions, concerns or queries – or you want to book an appointment – get in touch with our team via 01254 297 000 or pop into our Blackburn clinic!