Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or taking a longer vacation, the last thing you want is a dental problem to interrupt your plans. A little preparation before you leave can help you avoid unnecessary dental issues while you’re away.
Dr. John Schmid of Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry shares a few simple tips to help you keep your smile healthy and your trip stress-free.
Schedule a Dental Cleaning Before Your Trip
If you have a big trip coming up, consider scheduling your regular dental cleaning before you leave.
A professional cleaning is a great way to keep your teeth and gums feeling fresh before traveling. Your dentist can also check for any potential problems that may need attention before you head out of town.
Taking care of a dental issue before your trip is much easier than trying to find a dentist while you’re traveling.
If you’re due for a cleaning or dental examination, schedule an appointment with Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry before you leave.
Pack Your Everyday Dental Essentials
It’s easy to forget the little things when you’re focused on packing clothes, planning activities, and getting to the airport.
Before you leave, make sure you have the dental products you use every day, including your:
- Toothbrush
- Toothbrush cover
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Retainer or nightguard, if you wear one
A toothbrush cover can help keep your toothbrush from coming into contact with other items in your luggage. Just make sure your toothbrush has had a chance to dry before putting the cover on it.
If you use a retainer or nightguard, keep it in its case when you aren’t wearing it to help protect it from getting lost or damaged.
Traveling Somewhere With Unsafe Tap Water?
If you’re traveling somewhere where tap water is not considered safe to drink, use bottled or otherwise safe water when brushing your teeth. This can help reduce your exposure to waterborne germs that could make you sick while traveling.
Check Your Hotel Room Before You Leave
One thing we commonly hear at our office is patients accidentally leaving their retainers behind in hotel rooms.
It’s surprisingly easy to put a retainer on a bathroom counter or bedside table and forget about it when you’re rushing to check out.
Before leaving your hotel, take a quick look around the bathroom, nightstand, and anywhere else you may have kept your retainer or dental appliances. Adding this to your regular hotel-room check can help make sure you don’t leave an important part of your oral care routine behind.
Know What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency
Even with good preparation, dental emergencies can happen while you’re traveling.
Before your trip, save your dental office’s phone number and contact information in your phone. That way, if you chip a tooth, lose a restoration, experience significant tooth pain, or have another unexpected dental issue, you know who to contact for guidance.
Having your dentist’s information readily available can make an unexpected situation a little less stressful.
Keep Up With Your Normal Routine
Vacation can change your schedule, but there’s no need to completely change your oral hygiene routine.
Continue brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly, just as you do at home. If your schedule is packed with sightseeing, meals, and activities, keeping your toothbrush and other dental essentials easily accessible can make it easier to stay on track.
You don’t have to make your vacation about your teeth. Just maintain the routine you already have.
Want to Freshen Up Your Smile Before Your Trip?
If you’re preparing for a special trip, wedding, or vacation, you may also want to consider cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile before you go. Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry offers professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry options designed to help you feel confident in your smile.
Schedule a Complimentary Cosmetic Smile Consultation
A little preparation before your trip can help you avoid preventable dental problems while you’re away. If you’re due for a cleaning or would like to discuss your smile before an upcoming trip, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. John Schmid at Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry.
Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry proudly serves patients in Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and surrounding areas of Texas.