Dental Care with Summer Travel: What to Know Before You Go
Summer is the season of road trips, beach getaways, and long-awaited family vacations. As routines shift and schedules loosen up, it’s easy for daily habits—like brushing, flossing, and keeping up with dental care—to fall by the wayside. But while travel is all about relaxation, your teeth don’t take a vacation. As your Glendora dentist, we want to help you keep your oral hygiene in check, no matter where summer travel takes you.
Whether you’re flying across the country or staying local, a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your smile while you’re away from home.
Schedule a Pre-Trip Dental Checkup
One of the most effective ways to avoid dental problems during vacation is to take care of any issues before you leave. If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, or if you’ve noticed sensitivity, discomfort, or bleeding gums, now is the time to address those concerns.
We recommend a quick visit before your trip to:
- Catch early signs of decay or infection
- Treat small issues before they turn into emergencies
- Clean plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas
- Check in on your flossing technique and brushing habits
- Ask questions about travel-specific dental care
- We can also give you personalized advice based on your dental history and upcoming travel plans.
Don’t Skip the Basics in Summer Travel
No matter how far you’re traveling or how packed your itinerary gets, brushing and flossing still matter. Even a few days of neglect can lead to plaque buildup, gum irritation, or bad breath.
Here’s how to keep it simple and effective:
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day, even if it’s just with travel flossers
- Rinse with water after meals when brushing isn’t an option
- Pack travel-size products so you’re never without your essentials
- If you’re wearing Invisalign trays or have a dental appliance, be sure to pack everything you need to clean and store it properly.
What to Pack in Your Dental Summer Travel Kit
Don’t forget about oral hygiene supplies until you’re halfway to your destination. Keep a small dental care kit ready for travel so you’re never caught off guard. We suggest including:
- Travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss picks or regular dental floss
- Alcohol-free mouthwash
- A collapsible cup for rinsing
- A backup toothbrush in case one gets lost
- Sugar-free gum with xylitol to help keep your mouth fresh
- If you have young kids, make sure they have their own kits with toothbrushes they will want to use.
Watch What You Eat and Drink in Summer Travel
Travel often comes with indulgent snacks, sugary drinks, and plenty of on-the-go meals. It’s okay to enjoy yourself—just be aware of the impact these choices have on your teeth.
Limit or rinse after consuming:
- Soda and fruit juices that are acidic and high in sugar
- Sticky or hard candies that cling to enamel
- Alcohol which can dry out your mouth and affect gum health
- Ice—avoid chewing it, as it can crack or chip teeth
- Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help rinse away food particles.
Summer Travel Tips
Even with great preparation, things can happen. A broken tooth, sudden toothache, or lost filling while on vacation can be stressful—but knowing what to do can make it easier to manage.
If you’re experiencing:
- Tooth pain or swelling – Rinse with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relief, and avoid chewing on that side.
- Lost crown or filling – Temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) can help cover the exposed area until you get home.
- Chipped or broken tooth – Save the broken piece, if possible, rinse your mouth gently, and protect the area from further damage.
- Bleeding or injury – Apply gentle pressure and seek immediate medical or dental care if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
Keep our phone number saved in your contacts so you can call for guidance if needed. We’re happy to help you figure out next steps, even from a distance.
Maintain Good Habits on the Road with Summer Travel
Vacations often throw routines out the window—but your teeth still rely on consistency. Some tips to help you stay on track:
- Set a reminder on your phone to brush and floss
- Make it part of your morning and evening wind-down, no matter the schedule
- Lead by example if you’re traveling with kids
- Keep your dental kit somewhere visible in your luggage
- It’s easy to forget oral hygiene when you’re moving from hotel to campground to Airbnb. Making it part of your daily rhythm helps protect your oral health throughout the trip.
Post-Trip Check-In
If you experienced any dental issues while traveling, come see us once you’re back in Glendora. Even a minor toothache can be the sign of a developing cavity or infection. Let’s take a look before it becomes something more serious.
We can also check in on any wear and tear that might’ve occurred during travel, especially if you wear a nightguard, denture, or appliance.
Bonus Tips for International Travel
If you’re heading abroad:
- Check your dental insurance coverage outside the U.S.
- Bring copies of recent X-rays or dental records if you’ve had work done
- Research the local emergency dental resources at your destination
- Avoid tap water in areas where it’s not potable—including for brushing teeth
- With international travel, it pays to think ahead and pack with care.
A Healthy Smile Travels Well
No matter where summer takes you, your smile comes with you. Taking just a few extra steps to maintain your oral hygiene can keep you feeling fresh, confident, and healthy on the go. From long road trips to international flights, your dental health matters.
If you’re due for a cleaning or want to get ahead of any issues before your next trip, give us a call. We’re happy to help you head into summer travel with peace of mind and a clean bill of dental health.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, and materials. Everything we use makes a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We help our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.