Your dental health probably won’t be one of the first things that you think about when preparing for a holiday, but it perhaps should be. Whether you’re staying close to home or venturing to far-flung climes, here are eight tips for safeguarding your dental health on your break.
- Visit your dentist before you go
With summer holidays often exposing teeth to all manner of punishment, it’s a good idea – if possible – to drop in to see your dentist to ensure that your teeth are in the best possible condition, either immediately before or after your break.
- Pack your toothbrush!
Did you know that more than a fifth of holidaymakers forget to include their toothbrush and toiletries in their bag? It’s also a good idea to buy a spare toothbrush in advance of your holiday, just in case of any issues with your regular one.
- Be careful during sporting activities
Such is the nature of physical activity that there’s not much you can do to prevent such injuries as cracked or lost teeth resulting from a ball or bat hitting your mouth or a dive into a swimming pool. Nonetheless, you should at least be aware of the risks and take care accordingly.
- Don’t overdo it on the alcohol
Not only can alcohol be a major cause of tooth decay when consumed regularly, but it is also strongly linked with oral cancer – so practice moderation wherever possible.
- Minimise sugar consumption, too
Your holiday is a time when you are more likely to eat and drink excessively, which will probably mean that your sugar intake goes up. Try to restrict your consumption of notoriously high-in-sugar foods and drinks like fruit smoothies, and stick to three meals a day instead of constant snacking.
- Drink water!
With so many highly sugary and acidic drinks out there, water is easily the best choice of holiday drink from a dental perspective. It’s also crucial for all-round health during your break, particularly if you will be exerting yourself or spending a lot of time in the sun. That said, if you are heading abroad this year, opt for bottled water over the local tap water to minimise the likelihood of a tummy bug.
- Have a dental first aid kit
Even with the best preparations and intentions, accidents do happen. That’s why you should make sure beforehand that you have a dental first aid kit in your bag to assist you in any emergency.
- Pack your spare dentures
Dentures can be so easily lost while on holiday, particularly when the owner suffers food poisoning or seasickness. It is at such moments that dentures can slip out and end up down the toilet or even overboard, so it’s recommended to have a spare set in your luggage, just in case.
Follow the above advice while also familiarising yourself with what you need to do in your chosen destination if you do require emergency dental care, and you will be able to enjoy your holiday with minimal worries about your teeth.
Our partners for this blog post, BF Mulholland offer a range of dental supplies.