It's Vacation Time! What You Need to Know About Summertime Dental Hygiene

Summer is a time for travel and having fun. Kids ramp up the sleepovers and if they only remember to pack one item when they head to a friend's house, make sure it's a toothbrush! Better yet, make certain that everyone in the family has his own travel-sized tube of toothpaste, a packet of dental floss, and even a sample size of fluoride rinse or mouthwash for nights away from home. 

Summer is also the time of year when kids tend to indulge in Popsicles, ice cream, and conveniently portable (but often sugary) juice boxes. Making sure that they brush after every meal and sugary snack will ensure that their teeth are as protected as possible against decay-causing food. Adults, too, should be aware that the acids in summery citrus fruits and cocktails can erode enamel. Frequent brushing and flossing is the key to eliminating corrosive agents. If possible, substitute healthier poolside snacks for sweet treats: Gatorade contains less a little less sugar than juice, and kid-sized water bottles are available almost anywhere if you're looking to stay hydrated while out in the sun. Swap out the ice cream for less sugary yogurt and consider sugar-free frozen treats, which are just as tasty as their sugary counterparts.

Even the most rustic of campsites usually includes running water for tooth brushing, but if not, bottled water can work just as well. Bottled water is particularly a must when traveling to certain international destinations where water quality might be less desirable than back home. Pack all of your dental supplies in clean bags, and make sure everyone in the family has a separate place for his own provisions to avoid any cross-contamination. There are some great travel toothbrush cases on the market that will keep your brushes sanitary. And even though you may have to leave your electric toothbrush behind, manual brushing is still an important way to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

If you should find that you have a dental emergency while on vacation, make sure you have your dentist's phone number available so you can call the office for advice on how to proceed. Although there are "dental emergency kits" on the market for extreme vacationers who might be away from civilization for a long time, I would recommend making sure to seek the advice of a professional before attempting your own fix, although it's probably not a bad idea to keep over-the-counter medications on hand to treat common problems like canker sores.

I've outlined a few simple steps that you can take to make sure that you're continuing to give your dental health the attention it deserves even while you're out celebrating summer. Make sure to schedule your regular dental cleaning for when you get back from all the fun!