Traveling during the holidays can be exciting, especially if you are eager to see family and friends. Whether it’s by plane, car, or train, your schedule is likely to be slightly different, which means you’ll need to be extra mindful about taking care of your smile. If you want your teeth to shine brightly in this year’s family photos, follow these 3 helpful tips.
Schedule a Dental Visit Before You Leave
Seeing your dentist before you leave on your trip is one of the best things you can do. Why? It ensures you don’t spend your holidays trying to nurse a cavity-stricken tooth or hide bothersome surface stains.
Your dentist can catch these problems beforehand and administer appropriate treatment before your symptoms worsen. This way, you’ll arrive at your destination with a healthier, happier, and more radiant smile.
Be Mindful of What You’re Eating
While the holidays often make it easy to come up with excuses to eat all kinds of unhealthy foods, this can put your teeth and gums at risk. It’s important to remember that moderation is key, so while you can enjoy a slice of pie or some delicious sugar cookies, don’t overindulge.
Instead, opt for healthier options, like nuts and sugar-free treats that won’t wreak your smile. Also, be aware of what you drink, as beverages like wine and hot cocoa are often full of sugar and cling to your pearly whites. If left in place for too long, bacteria and harmful acids can accumulate and break down your tooth enamel.
Don’t Skip Your Oral Hygiene Routine
No matter what you eat or drink, make sure you take proper care of your smile by sticking to your normal oral hygiene routine. This means brushing, flossing, and rinsing each morning and every night. You may be tempted to skip these steps if you and your family are staying up late to play games, but choosing to do so will only make it easier for bacteria to grow and spread.
If you need to, set an alarm on your phone to remind you to clean your teeth and gums so that you don’t develop bad habits while you’re away.
Following these three tips when traveling during the holidays will help you smile with greater confidence this year. Don’t give in to the excuses; instead, keep your teeth sparkling bright this season.
About the Author
Dr. Julie Cromer earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2002 and has been transforming smiles ever since. Providing her patients with first-rate, exclusive service and care, she offers helpful solutions to keep teeth cavity-free and eye-catching year-round. If you are preparing to travel this holiday season and want to ensure your smile looks great in family photos, contact us at (772) 562-5051 or visit our website to schedule an appointment with our team.