Dental Care Tips For When You Are Traveling
Traveling can be a lot of fun for your family, but an extended trip can also impact everyone's regular dental care routine. Before packing your bags and setting off on your adventure, make sure you read these tips to ensure that everyone's smiles still look good at the end of the trip.
Tip #1: Make a Pre-Trip Visit
Visiting the dentist before you leave is a good idea if you will be gone for an extended period or traveling abroad. You can schedule everyone's normal checkups if they are coming due, or just request a quick checkup if it is between normal visits. This is because issues like loose crowns and fillings, a cracked or chipped tooth, or adjustments of retainers must be attended to before you leave. Taking the time to visit your dentist lets them catch and repair any of these issues so you won't be surprised by them while on the road.
Tip #2: Pack a Care Kit
Make sure everyone has their own personal dental care kit in their luggage. These kits should be in carry-on bags if you are flying, so that you won't be searching for a toothbrush if your luggage is lost. Each kit should contain each of the following:
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A soft-bristled toothbrush
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A small tube of toothpaste (Less than 3.4 ounces for plane travel)
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Floss, or flossing picks
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Any prescribed treatments, like fluoride treatments
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Mouthwash (Also less than 3.4 ounces in size for plane travel)
You can pack larger tubes of toothpaste in your checked luggage if you are flying. Pack these items in a zip-top bag just in case there is any leakage while you travel.
Tip #3: Mind the Water
Although it's not usually a concern in the United States, drinking water can be a concern in some foreign countries. While most travelers remember not to drink the water, you also need to avoid it when brushing your teeth each morning and evening. Make sure everyone has a bottle of water with their dental care kit once you reach your destination. This way they won't forget and use faucet water out of habit when they go to brush their teeth.
Tip #4: Ask About Dental Networks
If you have insurance coverage and you are staying in your home country, a quick phone call to your insurer can give you access to a local dentist that is within your insurance network if an emergency happens while you are on the road. For those without insurance, ask your dentist if they belong to any nationwide networks. These networks typically consist of dental discount programs that save you money on everything from routine care to emergency visits. Joining such a network can save you a lot of money and make it easier to find a dentist, if you need dental care while on the road. Even better, the program will continue to save you cash once you are back home.
Contact a center like Eden Prairie Dental Care for more information.