Toothbrush Travel Tips

By Jill Feilmeier on May 27, 2014 in Healthy Living

Summer is almost here and many Iowans want to forget the dreariness of winter and enjoy some warm weather. While vacations are a blast, sometimes they prevent you from maintaining a good dental routine.

Being away from home can make it easier to neglect your dental health and may take a toll on your teeth. But even while you travel, you don't have to take a vacation from good dental hygiene. Below are some tips to help easily keep your family's teeth clean and healthy while traveling.

Pack properly
Be sure to pack extra travel toothbrushes, paste and floss where you can get to them easily. In case you wake up in-transit or lose your luggage, you will still have easy access to oral health care.

Protect your toothbrush
Toothbrush caps are great for protecting brush bristles from germs and damage in your bag. Once you arrive at your destination though, it's best to uncap. Covering wet bristles can trap moisture and encourage bacteria growth.

Bring disposable products
If you will be traveling in a place where you won't have access to clean water or a sink, taking steps to clean your teeth is still important. Be sure to pack floss and look for products like disposable toothbrushes or tooth wipes, which don't require paste or water.

Watch what you eat
While on vacation, people tend to change their eating habits and indulge more. The increased exposure to sugar can affect your teeth. Try to limit the number of times your family enjoys sweets while away from home.

Pack healthy snacks
Pack a cooler or bag of snacks, but be selective. Choose tooth-friendly foods like baby carrots, celery and apples or healthy snacks like string cheese, yogurt tubes, whole grain crackers or plain nuts. Pass on soda and sugary drinks, and opt for water or sugar-free beverages instead.

Try treats for your teeth
Chew sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol on long flights or car rides to help stimulate saliva production and rinse away food particles.

Rinse with water
Even if all you have is water, rinsing well after eating or drinking can help rinse away sugars – until you are able to brush.

Do you have more traveling tips? Leave them in the comments!