The 5 Best Smile-Safe Traveling Tips for the Holidays

AAA reports that a record-breaking 112.5 million Americans will be traveling by plane, train, and car this holiday season. Are you one of them? Unfortunately, somewhere between packing bags and wrapping presents dental health can get left out in the cold. With an abundance of sugary treats, holiday parties, and crazy schedules, this season can be a difficult time of year for your teeth. If you’re travelling for the holidays, avoid a trip to your emergency dentist and protect that holly, jolly smile with these 5 tips!

Be Prepared

No matter when you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for everything! Make sure your packing list includes:

• A toothbrush you can easily reach while traveling.
• Toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
• The phone number of your emergency dentist, just in case.

Snack Smart

With nearly 1.76 billion candy canes alone made each year, it may feel nearly impossible to avoid seasonal sugary treats. Instead, enjoy healthier snacks like vegetables and cheese that can help you fight off cavities. If you do choose to indulge, go for sugar-free gum or dark chocolate.

Stay Hydrated

Keep a water bottle handy as you travel during the holidays. Dehydration will give you a dry mouth, which is a great place for cavity-causing bacteria to grow. Drinking plenty of water will:

• Wash away any lingering sugars or bacteria.
• Strengthen and protect your enamel.
• Encourage the production of saliva, your body’s natural mouthwash.

Don’t Use Teeth as Tools

Even though you’re excited to tear apart those Christmas gifts or open that bottle of holiday wine, don’t use your teeth to do it! Your teeth are designed to bite and tear food only. If you use them to open bottles or plastic containers, you can easily chip, crack, or fracture your teeth. So slow down, enjoy the moment, and grab the bottle opener or scissors.

Relax for the Sake of Your Teeth

Whether you’re traveling a long way, surviving a family gathering, or trying to find the perfect present, the holidays can be a stressful time of year. Stress can cause some people to develop a condition called bruxism, where they grind their teeth in their sleep. This quickly wears down the enamel, potentially causing headaches and broken teeth! Be sure that you’re taking time to relax during the festivities and wear a nightguard if you have bruxism.

Don’t let a dental emergency ruin your holiday season as you travel! Use these 5 easy tips to keep a happy, healthy, holiday smile throughout the season!

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair has been providing preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to the Rowley area since 1996. He is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and holds memberships in the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Massachusetts Dental Society, and more. He strives to help his patients build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles that last all year long. If you’d like to know more, he can be contacted at his website or at (978) 948-2030.