Dental Tips for Travelers

  

Vacation Time!  Whether you are on a vacation for a few days or months away out of the country; here are some dental tips for travelers to maintain good oral care:

Make Time for a dental checkup before travel

·       Thorough oral exam to take care any dental problems before the travel

·       Your dentist should check fillings, crowns or dentures in your mouth.  Air traps in the teeth can expand at extreme altitudes; it can cause pain, inflammation and even loose fillings, crowns or dentures

In case of emergency/emergency overseas

·       Make sure to have the dentist’s contact information handy or keep a business card in the wallet

·       If you are out of the country, get a dental referral/recommendation from the local consulate or U.S. embassy

Pack Dental supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss)

·       Ventilate toothbrush-Store the toothbrush after use in a sealable plastic bag and keep it clean and out of contact with other things. As soon as you reach the destination, take the toothbrush out for air dry.

·       Toothpaste and floss-keep these supplies in the glove compartment, purses, containers, plastic bags, carry-on

·       Bring extra, portable/disposable supplies-go small, the more compact the oral hygiene items, the more likely you are to keep them handy

Eat healthy snacks

·       Cut up fruits & vegetables, baby carrots, celery sticks, sliced apples, string cheese, whole grain crackers, trail mix

·       Chew sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities.  It gets saliva flowing and washes away cavity-causing bacteria

·       Drink water

Brush with bottled water

·       If you are in a country that the water supply may be compromised, use bottled water to brush your teeth.  It reduces the risk of getting sick

·       Clean the toothbrush with bottled water.  It reduces the risk of getting sick

Stick to your routine

·       Brush your teeth 2x/day and floss daily

·       End of day with a thorough brushing and flossing. 

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  She has been taking care of adults and children’s dentistry for over 25 years.  Call our dental office for a thorough dental examination before leaving for your vacation.  If you and your family have any questions about dental care, please contact Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com.   

Dental Tips for a Safe Summer

  

Summer is here, it is a wonderful time to slow down and relax with friends and family. Some people will be on family vacations, business trips and leisure travel.  Others may have no definite plan, take it easy or have fun playing sports activities.  Here are some dental tips for a safe summer for you and your family.

Limit sweets and look for low-sugar options

·       Soda, juice, lemonade, sports drinks can cause tooth decay and enamel erosion

·       Look for low-sugar or sugar-free options; use fresh fruit to make frozen popsicles, chew sugar-free gum

Eat healthy snacks

·       For family outings, pack bags of healthy snacks like carrots, celery sticks, sliced apples, string cheese, yogurt, whole grain crackers, trail mix

·       Drink water instead of drinking soda, juice or sports drinks

Establish a summer routine

·       Establishing a summer routine is particular important for school-aged children.  While summer schedules are usually a lot more flexible than usual, it is important to ensure children brush their teeth 2x/day and floss daily

·       Travel sized tooth brushes and tooth paste are great for traveling

·       Disposable tooth brushes are good for staying clean anywhere at any time

Stay hydrated with drinking water

·       Drinking water helps to keep your mouth moist throughout the day.  Water helps wash away plaque causing bacteria and can improve your breath

·       It may be difficult to stick to a regular oral health routine while you and your family are on a road trip. Using water to rinse your mouth after eating helps to flush away food particles and bacteria

Take precaution during activities to prevent dental emergencies

Swimming, skate boarding, bike riding, playing soccer and football are just a few sports that many families enjoy.  Dental injuries may happen and parents need to be prepared for the worst by following these tips:

·       According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), many of the summer oral injuries dentists treat are due to swimming pool accidents

·        Wearing a mouth guard/sports guard may help to protect your children’s teeth and prevent oral injuries.  Talk to your dentist about the options available

·       Children run on slippery pool decks, dive into shallow waters or hit the mouths against the side of the pool may cause serious injuries to their mouths

·       What to do with a knocked out tooth?

-Call and get to the dentist right away

-Clean the area and use gauze to stop the bleeding

-Try placing the tooth back into its socket. Make sure the tooth is facing the right way.  Don’t    try to force the tooth into the socket.  If it does not go back into place easily, then just keep it moist (in milk, saliva or water) and get to the dentist as soon as possible.

·       Academy of General Dentistry recommends an emergency kit to take along for vacation.  It includes a handkerchief, some gauze, a small container with a lid, ibuprofen and your dentist’s contact information

Visit the dentist

·       Schedule your children’s dental checkups early in the summer to avoid the back to school rush.  Schedule the appointment time that works best for you and the children

·       Parents and children feel good about their dental health for the summer

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  She has been taking care of adults and children’s dentistry for over 25 years.  If you and your family have any questions about dental care, please call Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com.              The best way to start out the vacation is with a clean and healthy mouth.