3 Tips for Protecting Your Summer Vacation Smile – And Your Fun!

Part of the beauty of summer vacation is the absence of drama. Or so you hope! When it comes to your teeth, concerning complications can develop quickly and start strong. There’s nothing low-key about waking up to jaw pain or a toothache.

To protect your fun from decidedly not fun dental emergencies, it’s best to invest in some preventative smile care measures. Keep reading for three proactive tips!

Send Plaque and Tartar Packing

The root of many dental evils is bacteria accumulation. If left alone, bacteria will harden into plaque and tartar, leading to problems like gum disease and cavities.

The thing is, even if you’re a fantastic brusher and flosser, bacteria can be equally fantastic at hiding! Fortunately, your dentist has advanced equipment that can scrub away anything from sneaky bacteria to stubborn tartar. Make sure tooth decay doesn’t develop during your vacation by scheduling a pre-travel cleaning.

Take Dental Essentials

Of course this includes whatever old-fashioned or high tech oral hygiene equipment you use, but you can take your packing prep a step further. Dental emergency kits are simple to assemble yourself, and contain key first aid essentials such as:

• Gauze or cotton balls
• Pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen
• Dental or orthodontic wax
• A small mirror
• Gloves
• Tweezers
• Saline solution

Since this is a summer vacation, it’s also important to bring plenty of water! Dehydration can be as much of a problem for your oral health as your general health. Dry mouth, for example, will deplete your mouth’s saliva supply, decreasing its natural ability to clear out debris and bacteria.

Dental Bacteria Doesn’t Rest

Speaking of bacteria, it doesn’t take breaks! Just because you’re relaxing on vacation doesn’t mean your risk for cavities and gum disease suddenly decreases. Basically, don’t slack off on your oral hygiene routine! Keep brushing twice per day and flossing once a day, and if you have a dental device that requires maintenance, take care of that too.

While you’re soaking up the sun, remember that proper teeth-cleaning is the best way to prevent dental disasters. Your dentist will freshen up your pearly whites and can give you suggestions for your dental emergency kit. However, they can only do that if you contact them! Make sure to give them a call before you get carried away with your summer vacation plans.

About the Author

Dr. Kevin Shively is no stranger to dental emergencies. He even chipped a tooth as a child! This inspired him to pursue advanced training in many dental emergency treatments and enabled him to easily empathize with his patients. When you visit Kevin Shively Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Shively will get to know you and your habits so he can provide personalized advice and treatment. If you need more oral care suggestions for your summer vacation, he’ll know just what to recommend! Call 806-698-8660 to contact Dr. Shively’s office, or explore his website for more information.