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If you’re like the dentists at Southeast Family Dental, one of the first things you get packed when preparing to travel is your toothbrush and toothpaste. If you aren’t like them and are thinking more of bathing suits and sunscreen, that’s okay, we still have you covered.

Here are several tips from the staff at Southeast Family Dental for taking good care of your teeth while you are traveling:

• Take your dentist’s phone number with you. You never know when there will be a slip or fall that results in a dental emergency and you have a critical question about your teeth. Even if you can’t access the emergency care you would at home, having that link could prove to be invaluable. Plus, you might want your dentist to be prepared to provide restorative care on your teeth once your travel is finished and you get home.
• Use the American Dental Association website to find a local dentist in the place you are traveling. Yes, there are dentists all over that will open their door to you in an emergency. However, you won’t know the local area and want to be reassured that the dentist you choose to trust with your teeth and smile is qualified and reputable.
• Keep your toothbrush ventilated. If you have a travel container or cap to store it in your bag, be sure it is ventilated. Enclosed containers or plastic bags create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Bacteria can not only encourage decay on your teeth and infection in your gums, but it can make you sick as well. Keep your toothbrush well-ventilated so it can dry out.
• Solutions if you have forgotten your toothbrush in your travel bag:

a. Clean your teeth by swishing your mouth with water after eating

b. Use your finger or a washcloth to apply toothpaste to your teeth. Be sure to get both the inside and outside of your teeth – and gums!

c. Ask at the front desk if they have a complimentary replacement toothbrush for you, and, if not, if there is a gift shop for those traveling without their own toothbrush.

d. Make a point to find a pharmacy or store that sells toothbrushes. It’s not only people who travel who need toothbrushes, resident of every place you are traveling want clean teeth, too!

• Keep sugarless gum handy. If you are traveling a long distance, especially by air, you might not have the opportunity to brush your teeth for a long period. Chewing gum is one way to not only keep your ears from hurting with changing altitudes, but it can help clean your teeth and freshen your breath, too. Just be sure it is sugarless; you don’t want to add bacteria-creating fuel to the food lodged between your teeth.

Traveling can be the highlight of any season and taking good care of your teeth, although maybe not your first priority while on holiday, is one way to make sure your travel is pleasant. Getting a toothache can ruin any day, but it would be even more distressing if you were on vacation.

Here at Southeast Family Dental, we know that with regular preventative care, you and your teeth will be prepared for excitement and fun wherever your travels take you because we give you a reason to smile!