Dental Tips for Summer Vacation

For most people, summer means sunshine, warm weather and fun vacations. The year's hottest months are great for spending time with friends and family and enjoying the outdoors -- but vacation can also interfere with your normal routines. It's important to keep up a good dental regimen during the summer -- here are some tips to help ensure your teeth stay healthy during your vacation.

Pack a Toothbrush

No matter whether you are going to a fancy hotel in Europe or just a quick camping trip a few hours away, don't forget to pack a toothbrush! Bringing your own toothbrush ensures that you won't ever be caught without one, even if there are plenty of places to purchase one where you are headed. Airplanes allow travel-size toothpaste, so make sure to pack that as well.

Schedule a Dental Appointment Before Your Vacation

Don't let summer vacation derail your dental appointments. It's best to have a checkup and cleaning at least once a year, so if you haven't had yours yet, schedule an appointment before you go away. This way, you can be aware of any dental issues before you travel so you won't be caught off guard.

Stay on a Routine

Make sure you stay on top of your dental routine even while you're traveling. You should always make time to brush your teeth in the morning, before bed and after meals throughout the day. Try to floss at least once a day as well. Work it into your schedule even if you have busy days!

Skip the Sugars

It can be tempting to snack on sugary treats while you're traveling, but high amounts of sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth. Skip the sugary snacks, and drink lots of water instead of sweet sodas and other sugary beverages. If you do indulge, try to sneak in an extra toothbrushing session afterward to make sure the sugar doesn't sit on your teeth.

Summer vacation should be focused on fun! But following a good dental care regimen doesn't have to detract from your time off. Follow these tips to help make sure your teeth stay bright, white and healthy even while you're on vacation.

Make an appointment with Hintz & Oakley Family Dentistry before you head off on your summer vacation!