How to Maintain Oral Health While Traveling Across Canada

Exploring the vast beauty of Canada, from the Rocky Mountains to the coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travellers. Whether you’re touring cosmopolitan cities like Toronto and Vancouver or hiking through Banff and Whistler, maintaining your oral health is crucial while on the go. At Arlington Dental, we care about your dental health, no matter where your travels take you. Traveling often means deviating from your usual routine, which can make it challenging to keep up with good dental hygiene practices. However, with a little preparation and mindful effort, you can maintain a bright smile and healthy teeth no matter where your adventures take you across this beautiful country.

1. Pack a Travel-Ready Oral Hygiene Kit

The first step in ensuring you maintain oral health while traveling is packing an essential oral care kit. This kit should include the basics: a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash. Many travel-sized options are available to make packing easier and help you stay within airline regulations.

• Toothbrush: Opt for a travel toothbrush with a compact design, which is easy to store and doesn’t take up much space in your luggage. Some travel toothbrushes come with cases that protect the bristles.
• Toothpaste: Choose a small, travel-friendly tube of fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to pick one that addresses any specific oral health concerns you may have, such as tartar control, whitening, or sensitivity.
• Dental Floss: Carry dental floss or floss picks to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. It’s essential, especially when traveling, as it’s easy for debris to get stuck in your teeth after meals.
• Mouthwash: A small bottle of mouthwash helps freshen your breath and kill bacteria. It also reaches areas your toothbrush might miss, providing additional protection against plaque buildup.

2. Keep Your Oral Care Routine Consistent

It’s easy to skip brushing and flossing while you’re busy sightseeing, but maintaining a consistent oral care routine is crucial for preserving your oral health. At the very least, brush your teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Ideally, you should also brush after meals, especially if you’re eating foods that may cause food particles to get stuck in your teeth or contribute to plaque buildup.

When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and remember to brush for at least two minutes. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, as bacteria can accumulate there, leading to bad breath. If you can’t access a toothbrush after eating, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to help remove food particles and neutralize acids from your meal.

Flossing is equally important. Make sure to floss at least once a day to keep your gums healthy and remove plaque that your toothbrush may miss. If you’re traveling and don’t have floss, some mouthwashes contain a small amount of fluoride and can help protect your teeth between brushings.

3. Watch What You Eat and Drink

While traveling across Canada, you may find yourself tempted by regional delicacies or new snacks, but what you eat plays a significant role in maintaining your oral health.

• Avoid Sugary Snacks: Sugary snacks, such as candy, chocolates, and soft drinks, can contribute to tooth decay. The sugar in these foods interacts with bacteria in your mouth, leading to the production of acids that attack tooth enamel.
• Watch Out for Acidic Foods: Foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar-based dressings can erode your tooth enamel over time if consumed excessively. After eating acidic foods, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid enamel erosion.
• Drink Water: Water is your best friend while traveling. It helps keep you hydrated and promotes the production of saliva, which helps protect your teeth and neutralize acids. Additionally, drinking water after meals helps wash away food particles and reduces the buildup of harmful bacteria.

Be mindful of your diet while traveling. A balanced diet, along with good oral hygiene practices, will help prevent dental issues during your trip.

4. Hydrate and Avoid Dry Mouth

Traveling, especially in dry environments or during long flights, can lead to dehydration and dry mouth. Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria, making it easier for plaque and bacteria to build up. To prevent dry mouth, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Additionally, if you’re on a long flight or road trip, carry a water bottle with you to keep sipping throughout the journey. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free mints can also stimulate saliva production if you’re feeling dehydrated.

5. Protect Your Teeth During Sports and Outdoor Activities

Many Canadian destinations offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking. While these activities are exciting, they can also put your teeth at risk if you fall or suffer an impact to the face. If you’re participating in high-risk activities, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.

Sports stores in most major Canadian cities sell affordable, over-the-counter mouthguards. If you’re planning on engaging in contact sports or extreme activities, a custom-fit mouthguard from your dentist offers the best protection.

6. Manage Your Oral Health on the Go

Traveling across Canada might take you through remote areas where access to dental care isn’t readily available. In these cases, managing your oral health on the go is essential. If you experience any dental problems, such as a toothache or broken tooth, take action immediately. Many pharmacies across Canada carry temporary dental products, such as toothache relief gels, dental wax for braces, and emergency dental kits.

If you’re traveling in a more remote area and need professional care, it’s worth researching dental providers along your route before you leave. Canada has a well-established healthcare system, and most major cities and towns have reputable dental clinics that can help with emergency care.

7. Schedule a Check-Up Before Your Trip

Before embarking on a lengthy trip, it’s a good idea to schedule a routine dental check-up. This ensures that you address any dental issues before they become problematic while you’re traveling. Your dentist can check for cavities, gum disease, and other potential problems that may require attention.

8. Consider Travel Insurance for Dental Emergencies

While it’s rare to experience a dental emergency while traveling, it’s always best to be prepared. Some travel insurance policies cover emergency dental treatment. Check with your insurance provider to see if dental care is included and if it covers issues like a toothache, injury, or lost dental appliances.

Conclusion

Maintaining oral health while traveling across Canada doesn’t have to be complicated. By packing the right oral care essentials, sticking to your routine, watching what you eat, staying hydrated, and protecting your teeth during activities, you can keep your smile healthy throughout your journey. Don’t forget to consult your dentist for any pre-trip check-ups, and seek emergency care if needed during your travels.

Contact us today for advice on maintaining oral health on the go or to schedule your next check-up before your next big adventure! Safe travels and happy brushing!