Maintaining a good dental hygiene routine can be challenging when you’re constantly on the move. Long journeys, unpredictable schedules, and limited access to familiar dental care products can make it easy to skip steps in your routine. However, with a few strategic adjustments and some travel-friendly essentials, you can keep your teeth and gums in top shape no matter where your travels take you.
1. Schedule a Dental Check-Up Before You Leave
Before embarking on a lengthy trip, visiting your local dentist for a check-up can help prevent potential dental issues from arising while you’re away. A pre-travel dental check-up allows your dentist to spot any early signs of cavities, gum issues, or any potential problems with previous dental work (like fillings or crowns) that could cause discomfort while you’re abroad. Addressing these issues in advance ensures that your smile stays healthy and pain-free throughout your travels.
2. Build a Travel-Friendly Dental Kit
Having a compact, travel-ready dental kit will ensure you’re always prepared to maintain your routine. Here’s what to include:
- Mini Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Opt for a folding toothbrush and travel-sized fluoride toothpaste. Many pharmacies, such as Boots and Superdrug, offer mini toothpaste tubes that are within UK and international hand luggage limits (typically under 100ml).
- Floss or Floss Picks: Travel-sized packs of floss or single-use floss picks make it easy to clean between teeth on the go.
- Mouthwash Tablets: Instead of carrying a bottle of mouthwash, consider dissolvable mouthwash tablets, which are available at eco-friendly stores across the UK. Simply dissolve them in water to rinse and freshen up.
- Compact Mouth Mirror: For those with braces, retainers, or aligners, a small mouth mirror helps ensure thorough cleaning, even for hard-to-see areas.
- Chewing Gum or Xylitol Mints: Sugar-free chewing gum or xylitol mints are not only a quick way to freshen breath but also help stimulate saliva production, especially useful after meals on long journeys.
3. Stay Hydrated to Support Oral Health
Travelling, especially by plane, can lead to dehydration, which can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth and increased bacterial growth. Saliva is crucial for washing away food particles and neutralising acids, so it’s important to keep hydrated. Aim to:
- Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Many UK airports and stations have water refill stations, making it easier to stay hydrated without constantly purchasing bottled water.
- Limit Sugary Drinks and Alcohol: While it can be tempting to indulge in sugary beverages or alcohol while on holiday or during a long journey, these can dry out your mouth and increase plaque buildup. If you do indulge, drink water alongside to rinse your mouth and maintain hydration.
4. Keep a Routine, Even with Layovers and Time Zone Changes
Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine can be tricky when dealing with long layovers, early flights, or changing time zones. Here’s how to stay on track:
- Set Reminders: Use your phone to set reminders for brushing and flossing, particularly if your travel schedule is unpredictable. Setting two to three reminders a day can help maintain your routine.
- Freshen Up During Layovers: If you have a layover, use that time to brush and floss in the nearest restroom. UK airports, such as Heathrow and Gatwick, typically have well-maintained restrooms with ample space and privacy for a quick dental refresh.
- Adapt to Local Time: When you arrive at your destination, switch to local time as quickly as possible, including adjusting your dental care routine to match morning and night in the new time zone.
5. Choosing Travel-Friendly Dental Products
Many dental products are designed to be portable and hassle-free for travel. Here are a few UK-friendly options:
- Eco-Friendly Bamboo Toothbrushes: Bamboo toothbrushes are not only environmentally friendly but also lightweight and available in travel sizes. Check for brands at popular UK stores like Holland & Barrett or Planet Organic.
- Interdental Brushes: Small and easy to carry, interdental brushes like TePe are great for reaching between teeth, especially for those wearing braces. These are widely available at Boots and other UK pharmacies.
- Fluoride Toothpaste Tablets: These compact tablets are perfect for travellers as they eliminate the need for liquids. You can find them in eco-focused UK stores, such as Lush or online at shops like Wearth London.
6. Prepare for Dental Emergencies Abroad
Unexpected dental issues can arise, especially on longer trips. Here’s how to handle a dental emergency while travelling:
- UK-Based Dental Insurance: Consider travel insurance with dental coverage to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses abroad. Companies like Aviva and BUPA offer travel insurance policies with dental coverage options.
- Locate Emergency Dental Clinics: Before your trip, research dental clinics at your destination. Many major cities worldwide have emergency dental care centres. For EU travel, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides access to necessary medical care, including some emergency dental services.
- Temporary Fillings: If you’re prone to dental issues, consider carrying a temporary filling kit, available from Boots or other UK pharmacies. These kits are compact and can temporarily fix a lost filling or broken tooth until you get professional care.
7. Choose Teeth-Friendly Snacks for Long Journeys
Snacks are a travel essential, but some can be better for your teeth than others. Here are some portable, tooth-friendly options:
- Nuts and Seeds: Packed with protein and healthy fats, nuts like almonds and cashews are tooth-friendly and easy to pack.
- Cheese Portions: Cheese is a great travel snack because it’s low in sugar and rich in calcium, which helps strengthen teeth. Small, individually wrapped portions are also widely available in UK supermarkets.
- Crunchy Veggies: Vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber, and celery help clean teeth naturally. Pre-pack them in travel containers for easy access.
Conclusion
Travelling doesn’t mean you have to compromise on dental care. By planning ahead, scheduling a pre-travel check-up, and packing the right tools, you can maintain your oral hygiene routine wherever you go. Stay hydrated, stick to your routine, and be prepared with a few essentials to protect your smile on all your journeys.