Summer Travels? Don't Forget Your Toothbrush!!

The summer season is officially upon us, and that means vacation time! Packing to leave for a trip can be stressful. Have you ever forgotten to pack something really important because you were in a rush to get out of town?

Bathroom products like a toothbrush, toothpaste or floss, are among the most common items travelers forget to pack. If you get stuck in this predicament, here are a few tips to get you by.


Use Baking Soda -- If you have baking soda, you can mix a little bit with water on your finger and rub it back and forth on your teeth, using your  finger as a toothbrush. You can also use a rag to brush your teeth. Baking soda doesn't taste very good, but it will brighten your smile and help your mouth feel fresh because it's a great acid reducer and cleanser.

Dry Brushing -- If you have a toothbrush, but forgot your toothpaste, you can still brush your teeth using just your toothbrush. Dry brushing is a wonderful technique and is recommended by some hygienists as a regular method of oral healthcare maintenance. It helps you clean all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly, but it will not freshen breath. Use mouthwash or gum containing Xylitol to give you that minty fresh taste.

Swishing -- Some good 'ol high quality H2O can help dislodge food from your teeth, which is better than letting it sit there. Swishing is especially good after eating sugary snacks or drinking beverages containing sugar.

If your travels take you out in nature, keep in mind that the flavors in toothpaste products can attract wildlife. It's best to spit your toothpaste into a campfire or the cathole you're using as a bathroom (if you have one.) You can also swish your mouth with some water, then spray the residue over a wide area. Keep in mind that toothpaste contains fluoride which can be harmful if swallowed in larger amounts, so if you choose to swallow your toothpaste residue, use very little toothpaste. Above all, don't spit your toothpaste in one spot, or too close to your location. That can attract (un)friendly visitors and could put a damper on your vacay.

Keep your toothbrush and toothpaste in a sealed container, such as a Ziploc bag, when traveling to avoid contamination. Besides, opening up your suitcase to find toothpaste exploded all over your favorite outfit is never a good way to start off your time away.

Happy Trails, Safe Travels, Bon Voyage!! Don't forget to enter our Summer Photo Contest! Visit our website for details: AlandFamilyDentistry.com/contests