If you are traveling this holiday season, it’s important not to neglect your teeth and gums. While it may not be at the top of your mind, you should still protect your oral health even when you are away from home. Here is a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Take your oral hygiene supplies with you.

Make sure to pack everything you usually use to take care of your smile. That may include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, or mouthwash. Don’t assume you’ll just buy these things when you get there, because that’s easy to skip doing. If you’re traveling by plane, just make sure you follow any TSA guidelines about packing liquids like toothpaste or mouthwash.

  1. Drink plenty of water.

When you are away from your normal routine, drinking water isn’t as easy anymore. Make it a habit of sipping water regularly throughout the day. It helps prevent dry mouth from occurring and washes away food particles and bacteria from your teeth. Not only will your teeth benefit, but your body will too!

  1. Don’t skip the fruit and vegetables.

As you indulge in the holiday foods that surround you, add an abundance of fruits and veggies to your plate. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery act like nature’s floss! They help scrape away harmful bacteria and plaque from your teeth. Other fiber-rich fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, bananas, spinach, and other dark greens all have nutrients that benefit your oral health.

  1. Plan for a dental emergency.

The last thing anyone wants to think will happen is a dental emergency. However, even when you’re careful they can still occur. Plan ahead and figure out where you can go for urgent dental care. Review your insurance policy and see who is in-network with your insurance plan. Call ahead and find out their policy about accepting out-of-town patients for emergency dental care.

  1. Get a checkup before you leave.

Before you leave for your holiday travels, visit us for your dental checkup if you haven’t had one in six months. We’ll thoroughly clean your teeth and check for any underlying health issues. This will give you peace of mind before you go that your smile is in excellent shape. We even welcome children to our practice as young as 6 months old!

We wish you a wonderful holiday season! Call Aberdeen Smiles at 605-277-9049 to request an appointment or schedule online.