Traveling throws a wrench in our normal routines, making it easy for oral hygiene to slip. Whether you are on a long flight, road-tripping, or changing time zones, keeping your mouth clean is essential to avoid the “sugar bugs” taking over. Old Dominion Family Dental is here to help. Let’s pack our oral hygiene travel bag together and find the hygiene traps and fixes to keep your smile fresh while on the move.
WHAT TO PACK
On-the-go toothbrushes: These come with the toothpaste already on them, so there is no mess or fuss. Pack these into your carry-on or in your car console for easy access during your summer trips.
Floss picks: Floss picks are an easy way to bring floss with you. Be sure the sugar bugs don’t get between your teeth when you’re eating and drinking your way through vacation.
Mouth wash: Travel-size mouth wash is TSA compliant and allows you to freshen up in between the planes, trains, or automobiles!
TRAVEL TRAPS AND HOW TO FIX THEM
Taking Care of Your Toothbrush
Trap: The “Air-Dry” Toothbrush Rule
Never pack a wet toothbrush into a sealed plastic travel case. Trapping moisture creates a perfect, dark breeding ground for bacteria.
The Fix: Let your toothbrush air-dry completely before packing it. If you are on the move and have to pack it wet, wrap it loosely in a clean paper towel to absorb moisture, and take it out to air-dry as soon as you reach your destination.
Guard Your Water Source
Trap: If you are traveling to an area where the local tap water isn’t safe to drink, do not use it to brush your teeth or to rinse your toothbrush.
The Fix: Keep a bottle of filtered or commercial bottled water by the sink so you don’t automatically turn on the tap out of habit. Use it for wetting your brush, rinsing, and cleaning the bristles afterward.
Keep a “Seat-Back” Oral Care Kit
The Trap: When you are stuck on a long flight or a train ride, your luggage is often out of reach.
The Fix: Pack a small, clear bag in your personal item (carry-on) that contains TSA-approved travel sizes of toothpaste, a folding toothbrush, and floss. Brushing your teeth mid-flight or after an airport meal instantly refreshes you and combats dry mouth.
Smart Substitutes When You Can’t Brush
The Trap: If you find yourself on a long excursion without access to a sink, you can still protect your teeth:
Fix #1: Rinse with Water: After eating, vigorously swish water around your mouth and spit (or swallow if necessary) to dislodge loose food particles and lower acid levels.
Fix #2: Chew Sugarless Gum: Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which is nature’s natural defense mechanism to wash away acids and sugar bugs. Look for gum containing xylitol, which actively helps inhibit cavity-causing bacteria.
Stick to Your Routine (Even When Exhausted)
The Trap: Jet lag and late-night travel itineraries can make you want to crawl straight into bed. However, sleeping with a day’s worth of food plaque on your teeth gives bacteria an uninterrupted 8-hour window to do damage.
The Fix: No matter how tired you are, commit to at least a quick two-minute brush and floss before falling asleep. Your teeth will thank you when you return home to your next routine dental checkup!
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