Top tips to be travel prepared
March 9, 2020 12:09 pmNo matter if you’re planning a quick road trip, a city minibreak or a long haul holiday, it’s always important to get your dental health in order. No one wants to get a toothache while away – or worse, make a trip to the emergency dentist. With a few easy steps, you can rest assured your dental health is prepared and protected.
- See your dentist
Have a check-up with your regular dentist before you leave on your trip. You should see your dentist every six months anyway. This will help deal with any issues before you travel, and avoid any unexpected problems while you are away.
- Buy travel insurance
It’s essential to buy travel insurance that covers health emergencies – including dental – while you are away. It can be tempting to try and save a few dirhams or opt for a cheap package, but imagine how much worse it would be should you fall ill and have a big bill to pay.
- The flight
Chew gum during take off and landing to solve popping ears – and to keep your teeth healthy. Make sure the gum is sugarless. It’s a good idea to carry gum with you while you’re away, as it’s likely you’ll be snacking more – which means bacteria in your mouth will be able to produce more tooth-damaging acid than normal. Chewing sugarless gum can help neutralize any extra acid produced.
- Be prepared
Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. If you’re driving, it’s easy to keep spares in the glove compartment of your car. If you’re flying, it’s best to store your toothbrush in a plastic resealable bag – while the moist air can breed bacteria, so long as you take the toothbrush out at your destination and let it air dry, you should be OK. If you are on a long flight, then you could keep a small toothbrush and paste in your hand luggage (upto 100 ml is allowed). You can freshen up before arrival, and undo the work of any sugary snacks eaten along the way!
- Don’t forget your toothbrush
If you forget to pack it then try and get one that’s ADA-approved, or failing that buy a soft-bristled one. If you can’t get a new toothbrush, you can use a washcloth or even your clean finger with a little toothpaste.
- The hotel
Before you leave, check if you need to use bottled water to clean your teeth, or if the local water is safe. If in doubt, opt for bottled water. If you are on a beach holiday and plan to scuba dive, you should ask your normal dentist to check your teeth before you leave – a condition called ‘barodontalgia’ can cause trapped air to expand, causing pain if you have ill-fitting fillings or dentures.
- Keeping good dental health
Don’t be tempted to stop brushing twice a day. Unfortunately, bacteria don’t take a day off! It’s likely you’ll be eating more treats than usual, so it’s more important than ever to keep a good hygiene routine. Brush for a full two minutes, twice a day.
- Dental emergencies
If you do suffer an unexpected knock or a sudden toothache while you’re away, don’t hesitate – see a dentist. The longer you leave it, the more work that may need to be done. If you need recommendations, your hotel concierge will be able to help, or if you want a neutral opinion, contact the local consulate or embassy in your destination.
- The short term
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