27 Dec Why You Should Carry a Travel Tooth Care Kit
Whether you’re traveling this holiday season or staying in town, it’s always a good idea to keep a tooth care kit with you. Just in case you get a splinter of candy cane stuck in your teeth, or if you want to freshen up your breath before a midnight kiss on New Year’s Eve, having a travel kit handy could save the day.
It’s super easy to assemble a compact kit that you can stow in your backpack, purse, or car. Just grab a ziplock bag or a small pouch, and add a few essential items. Here’s what to pack in your travel tooth care kit.
Travel Tooth Care Checklist
- Travel-size toothbrush
- Travel-size toothpaste
- Dental floss or picks
- Sugar-free gum or mints
- Breath strips or mouthwash tablets
- Invisalign case
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Brushing your teeth after a meal or a coffee or a glass of wine will help prevent tooth stains and keep your smile bright for all those holiday photos. It’s easy to find travel-size toothbrushes and toothpaste—you can even get electric travel toothbrushes and portable water flossers that will fit in your suitcase if you’re taking a holiday vacation.
Dental Floss
Don’t forget the floss! Whether you choose string floss or floss picks, it’s important to have something that’s designed to clean between your teeth in your kit. Trying to remove something stuck in your teeth with your fingernail or even a toothpick can be dangerous. You could end up wedging the debris in further, or scratching your gums and making them bleed. Having some dental floss handy means you can safely remove that stubborn shred of kale or sticky candy.
Mouthwash
Planning to kiss your sweetheart under the mistletoe? Grab your travel tooth care kit and take a minute to make sure your breath is minty-fresh. Breath strips and mouthwash tablets both come in compact sizes, perfect for fresh breath on the go. You might want to add a tongue scraper as well, to keep your tongue looking pink and healthy and to further freshen your breath.
Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum can also help freshen your breath, increase saliva flow, and prevent dry mouth. And even though it’s no substitute, sometimes chewing a stick of gum is more convenient than brushing. If you’re driving or if you can’t wait for 30 minutes after a drink or a meal, chew a stick of sugar-free gum and then brush your teeth later. However, if you have bruxism or a TMJ disorder, swap the gum for some sugar-free mints instead.
Invisalign Case
Don’t forget to add a case for your aligners if you’re straightening your teeth with Invisalign. You might need to pop them out for a quick bite or a peppermint mocha, and having your case handy will ensure that they stay clean. You might also want to include some Invisalign “chewies” (aligner tray seaters) if you use them.
When is your next dental appointment?
Tooth care during the holidays is much easier when you have a travel kit prepared. And when you take good care of your teeth, you can start the new year with a brighter smile. If you haven’t yet scheduled your 2024 dental cleanings, now is the time! Call Prescott Dentistry today at 928-445-1660 to make an appointment. Until then, Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year!
Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/19/2023.