After what feels like a very long winter, summer is here and for many people, that means it’s time for a holiday. Whether you are staying in the UK or going further afield to soak up the sun, your dental health may suffer. Whilst on holiday, your routine tends to be completely different and this can result in your mouth not being at it’s cleanest.
We have put together some tips on how you can ensure your teeth and gums stay in great condition and don’t cause you any problems while you’re away from home.
We always recommend booking a dental check-up for a couple of weeks before your holiday. This will make sure that any potential dental problems are spotted by the dentist and treated before you go away. Another good idea is to book a scale and polish with either a dentist or a hygienist. Having this treatment will mean your teeth are feeling and looking sparkling.
You can guarantee you’ll end up forgetting to pack something into your suitcase but don’t let this be your toothbrush! You can buy plastic travel cases for your toothbrush, leaving it clean and fresh in your suitcase. It’s also a great idea to take toothpaste, mouthwash and dental floss from home, as you may not be able to buy these easily at your destination. Most supermarkets and beauty stores stock miniature or travel sized toiletries, perfect for reducing weight and room in your case.
With the relaxed feeling you get when you’re on holiday, it’s often tempting to forget all about your oral health routine until you get back home. However, this approach can have devastating effects on your oral health including build-up of plaque which can lead to the development of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. We also strongly recommend flossing and using mouthwash at least once per day.
We all know we should drink plenty of water every day, especially when it is warm. In addition to it being good for your overall health, it helps to keep your mouth healthy. Keeping your mouth hydrated will protect you from developing dry mouth and producing excess amounts of plaque. It will also rinse your mouth of any bacteria and particles left over from food.
Our diets can be very indulgent when we are on holiday. Whether it’s fizzy drinks, sweet and sugary treats or alcohol, they can all have negative effect on your teeth. We completely understand that you would want to treat yourself on holiday, but try to remember how the sugar and acid content can damage your teeth. If you struggle to keep away from these treats, drink water and chew sugar-free gum after having them.
There are lots of activities on holiday that can result in damage to your teeth. Cracking a tooth while diving into a swimming pool is very common. Think about the dangers of your holiday activities and do as much as you can to protect yourself from any injuries.
However, accidents can happen. Do you know what to do in a dental emergency?
There is help available to you in a dental emergency whether you’re in the UK or abroad. Make sure you take your EHIC card with you if you’re travelling within the EU. Speak to your holiday rep as they will be able to guide you to the right place to receive treatment. If you’re in the UK, you can access the dental helpline on 0845 063 1188.
At Regent Dental Centre, we are happy to offer advice to anyone who is concerned about looking after their teeth on holiday. Book a pre-holiday appointment with us by calling 0161 941 2143 or emailing [email protected].
Website last updated: April 2024
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