Prepare Your Teeth for Takeoff: Dental Tips for Your Summer Vacation

Published on June 15th, 2020

Summertime is here! The weather has finally warmed up and the kids are out of school, which means you may be looking to get out of town! Whether you are hopping on a plane to visit a tropical location or planning to go on a road trip with your family or friends, it is important to consider ways to take care of your teeth while enjoying your leisure time!

To ensure your summer vacation doesn’t turn into an emergency visit to the dentist, here are some ways you can keep your teeth and gums healthy

Don’t forget to pack your dental hygiene routine. 

 Summer is all about relaxation and enjoying the sun; therefore, it’s not uncommon for daily routines to fall to the wayside. One routine that you should never compromise, is your daily oral hygiene routine. Even though you may be on vacation from life as usual, it doesn’t mean that you can take a vacation from brushing and flossing! Make sure you are brushing your teeth 2-3 times per day and flossing daily. Don’t forget to pack your toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss wherever you are going this summer. If you are taking a road trip or traveling with a small suitcase, consider buying a travel size of these items! 

Avoid dental injuries with a mouthguard.

If you are planning on participating in activities that could possibly harm your teeth, you should consider taking a mouthguard with you. Whether you are planning on enjoying a game of volleyball on the beach or showing off your frisbee skills to your friends, a mouthguard will keep your teeth safe all summer long. 

There are several types of mouthguards you can get before heading to your summer destination. 

Stock mouthguards. This type of mouthguard can be bought over the counter from a drugstore or sporting goods store. This is the cheaper option, so they offer the least protection to your teeth since the fit adjustment is limited. However, if you didn’t have time to schedule an appointment with your dentist, this is better than nothing.

Mouth-formed protectors.  These mouthguards are what we know as a “boil and bite” product that can be found at sporting goods stores. They are made of a performed shell that is lined with acrylic or rubber. The lining material is placed in the person’s mouth, molds to the teeth, and sets. 

Custom-made mouth protectors. The best option for a fully-protected smile is a customized mouthguard from your dentist. This is the most expensive option out there, but this type of mouthguard will provide the best protection with the correct fit, and comfort as it is made from a cast to fit your teeth. 

Go easy on the sweets.

We all love the sugary treats we get to eat in the summer heat! It isn’t easy saying no to ice cream or snow cones. That’s why it is very easy to overindulge when you are relaxing during your vacation. However, it is important to remember that everything should be done in moderation. Eating too many sweets can contribute to cavities and harmful bacteria. Make sure you are brushing your teeth after eating these summer treats and limit your consumption to one or two sweets during the day. Another option that will satisfy your sweet tooth is looking for low-sugar or sugar-free options. These tips will reduce the potential cavities and control your sweet tooth.

Limit sugary drinks. Like summer treats, many summer drinks are loaded with sugar. Lemonade, sports drinks, soda, juice, and cocktails have a high concentration of sugar which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. That’s why it is important to limit the number of sugary drinks we consume, and choose to drink water instead.

Make sure you have a source of clean water. Drinking water during the summer heat is extremely important for your health! Not only does it keep us hydrated, but it protects our teeth from cavities and washes away all the bacteria in our mouths! If you are traveling overseas, it is important to be aware of the safety of your drinking water. It is recommended to drink bottled water when traveling since some of the tap water from other countries can be harmful to our teeth and bodies. Therefore, make sure you’re not only drinking from bottled water but brushing your teeth with it as well.

A Chesterfield invisalign dentist can consult with you on how to best go about adding invisalign into your life. For a beautiful, timeless smile, contact Chesterfield Family Dentistry today.