Prior to boarding a plane or boat for summer adventures, you have to prepare for the trip. You must pack, make sure your reservations are made and paperwork is in order, and take time off work, but unless you prepare your smile, you may face a dental emergency while out on vacation. Because you don’t want a cavity or tooth injury to interrupt your fun itinerary, take some time to do the following before and during your adventures!
Stay Up to Date with Your Semi-Annual Dental Checkup and Cleaning
Before you depart, make sure you’ve had a dental checkup and cleaning within the last six months. Even during this short amount of time, cavities can develop with decay digging into the more sensitive layers of your teeth. Regular appointments allow your dentist to identify and treat these cavities before they cause excruciating toothaches. Once you have this visit completed, you can have more peace of mind that tooth pain shouldn’t disturb your summer fun.
Continue to Brush and Floss Every Day—Even on Vacation
While vacation is all about taking a break from normal life, some aspects of your routine are essential if you want to keep having a pleasant time and a strong smile. Oral hygiene is one of these! Brushing and flossing daily removes plaque and food debris before it has a chance to stick to your teeth and make trouble for your oral health. These habits only require a few minutes, but they can go far to prevent tooth pain from decay, infection, and other issues.
Limit Your Sugar Intake
Vacation wouldn’t be complete without amazing food and drinks, but you can still enjoy these without going overboard. Too many sugary, starchy, or acidic substances can significantly increase your risk for painful cavities, tooth sensitivity, and enamel erosion.
Along with the wonderful cuisine and beverages you savor, make sure you drink plenty of water and get the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy and emergency free.
Have a Mouthguard Ready for Potentially Dangerous Activities
Do you already have some activities planned? For instance, if you know you will be going parasailing with your significant other, playing broom hockey with your relatives, repelling or mountain biking, or any other active agenda item, come prepared. You never know when you might fall or absorb a blow to the face. A mouthguard—particularly a custom one from your dentist—can protect your teeth from chipping, cracking, or getting knocked out altogether, preserving your smile and sparing the stress of having to get immediate treatment while you’re out on vacation.
Just as you wouldn’t arrive at the airport without luggage and a ticket already purchased, don’t take off on a summer trip without making sure your smile is well prepared. With some planning and wise choices beforehand, you can create lifelong memories and get the most out of your vacation time.
About the Author
Kobza Dental is owned and operated by Dr. J. Travis Kobza in Falls City, NE. He began practicing in 2007 after he completed a one-year General Practice Residency program at UNMC Omaha after dental school. Although he certainly can treat and handle dental emergencies, he prefers to help patients avoid them through preventive services. To schedule your appointment, contact our office online here or call 402-245-2243.