6 Smile Care Tips for Thanksgiving Travel

Since Thanksgiving comes late in the week, it’s a time when many of us hit the road to be with our loved ones for the holiday. As with any other trip, it’s easy to neglect your smile while you are away from home. As your dentist, we hope you’ll heed our smile care tips to keep your oral care on track.

We are here for you at all times – even during the busy holiday season. If need to make an appointment, call us at 704-285-0846 today. In the meantime, check out our travel advice:

  • Be Ready for an Emergency – You never want to experience a dental emergency. But preparing for one just in case will ensure all turns out OK. Program our number into your phone. You might want to slip it into your wallet too, just in case you lose power or service. If your problem can’t wait, your insurance company is a good resource for finding a qualified dentist who can treat you. 
  • Don’t Forget Your Mouthguard – You don’t want your snoring to keep your loved ones awake, especially if you are sleeping in closer quarters than usual. So make sure you bring along your oral appliance. If you don’t have one, you may want to schedule a consultation and see if it’s an option for you. An appliance is easier to travel with than a CPAP machine. Similarly, if you grind your teeth in your sleep, pack your night guard.
  • Keep Oral Care Supplies in a Convenient Place – Whether you’re driving or flying, you may find yourself needing to brush your teeth before your final destination. Keep a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste in your carry-on when flying so you can still brush if you don’t have access to a checked bag. A glove compartment is a convenient spot to stow oral hygiene supplies if traveling by car.  
  • Pack Some Gum In Your Bag – If for some reason you can’t brush, chewing sugarless gum is a good way to get the saliva flowing to rinse away harmful substances. Choose a gum with xylitol, which has natural cavity-fighting properties. As a bonus, chewing gum can relieve painful ear pressure if flying or driving into higher altitudes. 
  • Watch What You Eat – Both on the road and when you arrive, try to limit your consumption of sugary and highly acidic foods, both of which make you more susceptible to tooth decay. If turkey is on the holiday table, have as much as you’d like. It contains protein and phosphorus, substances that are good for teeth. Pumpkin is a great choice for pie, as it’s better for your teeth than other options. 
  • Drink Lots of Water – Water has no sugar or acids to damage your teeth. It also helps wash away food debris and bacteria. Unsweetened tea is one of your best alternatives to water. Skip soda and other acidic drinks that contain lots of sugar.

We’re happy to discuss smile care tips with you any time you visit us in Charlotte, NC. If you need to make an appointment, call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846.