The holidays are just around the corner, which means that you’re more than likely making plans to visit family members in other parts of the country (or even the world!) Therefore, your oral care routine is going to be a bit more difficult to maintain. Whether you’re going to be in the car for several hours or taking a flight across the country, it’s crucial to have a dental hygiene kit handy.
So what should you include in this kit? A dentist in Lincoln breaks down all the essentials and the benefits you can expect.
The Most Important Items to Have
If you’ve been visiting the dentist regularly, you probably have a surplus of spare toothbrushes in your bathroom closet or drawer. Now is the time to break those out and bring them on your next trip. Have one toothbrush inside your luggage and one inside your travel kit; that way you’re never without your most essential tool!
You’ll also want to pack toothpaste and floss separately for removing food debris and preventing tooth decay. A travel-sized bottle of mouthwash is a great way to strengthen teeth and get a quick burst of fresh breath at the same time. These portable products can be found in any local pharmacy.
When transporting your toothbrush, make sure it has a protective cover that’s well ventilated. Once you get to your destination, uncover it as soon as possible to prevent bacterial growth. Make sure it is dry before covering.
On top of your basic supplies, pack multiple bottles of water so you can stay hydrated and rinse your mouth out properly after brushing. In case an emergency occurs and you can’t get to a dentist, there are many items you can pack that you’ll be glad you did ahead of time, including:
- Temporary fillings and cement
- Toothache drops
- Dental wax
- Cotton
- Gauze
- Tweezers
The Benefits of a Hygiene Kit
When you’re away from home, it’s easy to forget your dental care habits. It’s also easy to get carried away with eating foods you wouldn’t eat normally, including fast food and indulgent desserts. However, this should just give you extra incentive to be prepared if you do eat sugar-filled or starchy foods you wouldn’t normally eat. If you do eat these foods, be prepared to remove them soon after with floss or brush your teeth to remove stains and plaque throughout the day.
Furthermore, having a dental hygiene kit on hand is ideal if you or your child is experiencing a dental emergency and can’t get to a dentist. This is especially the case if you’re traveling to another country, where there’s no guarantee that dental services will be easily accessible.
Protecting your family’s oral health starts with being prepared. Schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist in Lincoln today and learn more helpful tips before your next trip!
About the Author
Dr. Malika “Mimi” Mebarek earned her DDS degree with distinction from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She’s always learning new ways to help patients protect their oral health outside the office and in between visits. To learn more about her practice, you can contact her at (402)-420-2222 or visit her Northeast location’s website.
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