By the looks of the beautiful, sunny weather in the South Puget Sound lately, you would think it’s already summer! Luckily, we still have a few weeks left to prepare for sunshine season. With travel plans on the calendar and agenda packed with activities, summer can be hectic for many and maintaining healthy oral care may be the last thing on your mind. Our team at Plancich Dental would like to share a few easy tips to take care of your teeth while traveling this summer.
1) Be prepped
If you’re planning on taking a flight or going long road trip this summer, make sure to carefully prepare for the journey ahead. Pack travel-sized toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash for easy access on the road. Don’t forget to take frequent brushing breaks whenever you have the opportunity. Instead of salty airplane peanuts, be sure to have healthy snack options on hand, such as baby carrots, cheese cubes, or apple slices. Not only are these options figure-friendly, they are known to be good for your teeth as well.
2) Stay hydrated
Sugary beverages like cocktails, soft drinks, and lemonade are especially thirst-quenching on a hot summer day. However, excessive sugar can cause serious damage to your teeth. Even the occasional drink can have a negative effect on your oral health. Consuming sugary beverages causes the natural bacteria in your mouth to produce acid, which eats away at enamel. As the enamel weakens, your likelihood of developing cavities increases.
The best way to avoid tooth decay is to limit sugary beverages as much as possible. However if you choose to indulge, we recommend brushing your teeth afterwards. At the very least, rinse your mouth out with water to help remove any sugar that remains. We highly recommend fruit-infused water as healthy and teeth-friendly alternative this summer.
3) Before your next vacation or road trip, be sure to stop by Tacoma’s Plancich Dental for a teeth cleaning. You may want to put off your visit until the next season, but it is better to come in now than later. That way, any potential dental issues can be taken care of immediately before your summer adventure begins.
Combined with daily brushing and flossing, regular cleanings and checkups are the foundation for good oral health. Our own Dr. Gregory Plancich has been providing top-quality dentistry care for more than 25 years in the Tacoma area. Contact our office at (253) 272-7400 to schedule your next visit and we’ll get you summertime smilin’ in no time.