With travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic finally lifted, you might have several trips in your upcoming plans. When on vacation, you might not follow your normal daily routine. Even when you stay up late and sleep in, it's still important to brush and floss to prevent complications your dentist will need to address when you get back home. Here are tips to take care of your oral health while on vacation. 

How to Care for Oral Health During Your Vacation

1. Get a Checkup Beforehand

If you are planning numerous vacations, don't wait to address dental problems when you return to town. That's because the problems could become worse while you are away. The pain and discomfort could make your vacation less enjoyable. 

Schedule a checkup with your dentist before you leave town. They will provide a thorough dental cleaning, cavity fillings, and other general and restorative dentistry services to protect your teeth and gums. 

2. Brush With Bottled Water

If you are traveling abroad or planning a camping trip, it might be difficult to determine the quality of the local water supply. To avoid waterborne illnesses, it's best to drink bottled water while you're on vacation and use it for toothbrushing and rinsing, too. 

3. Let Your Toothbrush Air-Dry

When you purchase travel-size toothpaste and other dental products, leave travel cases off of the shopping list. The damp toothbrush causes moisture to collect inside the case, which encourages mold and mildew growth. Let your toothbrush air-dry instead and then put it in a separate, clean compartment in your toiletry bag.

For a dental exam before you head out of town, visit Elizabeth A. Loseke, DDS, in Kearney, NE. The dentist provides teeth whitening and cleanings, dental implants, and additional services to help patients in the Buffalo County area look and feel their best. Download patient forms online, and call (308) 234-4564 for an appointment.