Dental Health Tips for Traveling

So, you’re about to head off for a wild adventure? Many people don’t get beyond packing their suitcases and booking travel accommodations. If you haven’t just purchased travel insurance but are also thinking about your dental health, you’re one prepared traveler! Take a look at these dental health tips so you can minimize your risk of suffering a dental catastrophe while traveling, and plan ahead if you do need a dentist while on the road.

Dental Health Tips for Traveling

1. Make an Appointment with Your Dentist Before You Travel

Do you have an aging crown, filling, or dental decay you haven’t dealt with yet? Unless you’re traveling as a dental care tourist, you’re best off dealing with those issues before you travel.

Communicating with a foreign dentist (who you’ve never met before and whose skills you don’t trust) to take care of an already existing dental issue can be a challenge. Get your dental issues taken care of now, and you won’t end up in that situation.

2. Make Plans for Brushing Your Teeth on the Road

Do you use an electric toothbrush? Depending on your destination, you may need a travel adapter to keep it charged and working properly.

No matter what kind of toothbrush you use, ensure you keep it stored in a sealable plastic container at all times. Because bacteria can build up if your toothbrush doesn’t dry out after use, it’s important for the container to have air holes. It’s best to let your toothbrush air dry before packing it away. Skip storing your toothbrush in a plastic bag when possible.

You may also want to bring your own oral care products. Your favorite brand of toothpaste might not be available at your destination. Good toothbrushes may be hard to come by, so pack an extra toothbrush in case anything happens to yours. Floss or interdental brushes and alcohol-free mouthwash should also go in your carry-on.

Finally, be mindful of the fact that tap water isn’t safe to drink everywhere. Prepare to use bottled water to brush your teeth unless you are sure the tap water is safe.

3. Prevent Dental Injuries While Traveling

Some accidents just happen, no matter how careful you are. Others are preventable. Try to keep an eye out for stray olive pits and other hard objects as you chew, and don’t engage in activities with a heightened risk of dental injuries. Those may include white-water rafting, horse-riding, and parkour — among many others.

4. Establish a Backup Plan: Where’s the Nearest Dentist?

There are many travel insurance plans that cover dental emergencies, however, you’ll want to check what kinds of emergencies your plan covers before you travel. Orthodontic problems and emergencies related to dental crowns, bridges, and implants may not be in your plan.

Either way, it can be helpful to Google reputable dentists at your destination while you’re still at home. Make a list after you check the reviews, so you can make an appointment quickly if you do face an oral health emergency while traveling.

You’re guaranteed to be better prepared than most other travelers if you follow all of these dental health tips while traveling. We hope that gives you the peace of mind to have a great time!

Regency Family Dentistry Omaha | Best Omaha Dentist near Westroads Mall in Regency

Whether your teeth needs are a:

complete exam and cleaning,
full-mouth restoration
or anything in between

We promise to provide exceptional dental care as we enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Below are just some of the many procedures and dental services we regularly provide to our patients – with a gentle touch, and stunning results. Your smile is our first priority, and we’ll give you something to smile about.