Traveling & Oral Care Tips

Records have it that most families travel during the holiday season, especially around the last few weeks of the year and New Years Day. While traveling, some basic precautions must be followed to ensure good oral health. No matter where we are, our dental health is important.

• Cleaning/checkup before you travel. It is advised that you go to your dentist for a checkup. Small cavities that may seem to be painless might later result in further decay.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste. It is recommended to use toothbrush and toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on it. Toothbrushes and toothpaste with this seal have met the highest standard specified by the ADA. Toothbrushes to be used must have a small head and soft bristles so that they can reach the back molars while brushing and not cause any irritation of the gums. Large heads and hard bristles may cause inconvenience in brushing and cause irritation of the gums; this might result in bleeding.
• Dental care abroad. Dental treatments in the US are held to strict standards (which include prevention of blood-borne pathogens, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization and disinfection, dental waterlines, water quality and all) by the CDC. Also, medicines to be administered by dentists must meet the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). With these, US dental procedures can be considered safe.
• Insurance. If traveling for a prolonged length time, it is best to find a dentist in case of dental emergencies. You can consult your dental insurance provider, who will give you a list of the eligible dentists in the area you will be visiting so that when any dental emergency occurs, you can always seek dental treatment from a dentist who is already covered by your insurance.