GETTING away on holidays is the highlight of summer for most Australians, but they come with a certain amount of risk — including to your oral health. From thrill-seeking activities and indulgent foods to alcohol and travel stress, holidays can pose unexpected challenges for your teeth and gums.
Australian Dental Association (ADA) Federal President Dr Chris Sanzaro has shared his top tips to keep your mouth healthy during the festive season: Stay hydrated Dry air on flights can lead to dehydration and a dry mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Drink plenty of water during flights and keep a refillable bottle handy.
Freshen up on the go Stale air and limited bathroom access on long haul flights can lead to bad breath. Pack a toothbrush and travel-sized fluoride toothpaste in your carry-on to brush after meals. Don’t forget to floss Brushing alone only cleans 60 percent of tooth surfaces.
Pack floss or interdental brushes to remove debris and bacteria from between your teeth. Be cautious with indulgent foods. Hard or sugary foods like pork crackling and cocktails can damage teeth.
Go slow, sip water between drinks, and avoid overindulgence. Keep kids brushing Without school routines, children can neglect oral care. Encourage brushing by enforcing a ‘no play until teeth are clean’ rule or leaving reminders in the bathroom.
Use a mouthguard Adventurous activities like water skiing and rock climbing can risk dental injuries. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist offer better protection than store bought options.
Mind the pressure Scuba diving can cause “tooth squeeze” or jaw pain from mouthpieces. Relax your bite and consult a dentist if pain persists. Combat dry mouth Alcohol, coffee, and some medications can dry your mouth.
Stay hydrated and consider sugar-free lozenges or dentist-recommended dry mouth products. Tackle teeth grinding Jet lag and disrupted sleep can lead to grinding. Bring your night guard or consult a doctor about melatonin to reset your sleep schedule. Avoid sensitivity triggers Acidic foods and drinks like wine, citrus, and soft drinks can heighten tooth sensitivity.
Switch to a sensitive toothpaste and limit acidic consumption. Dr Sanzaro advises seeing your dentist before travelling to address any dental issues. “Holidays can strain the budget without surprise dental costs,” he said. “Plan ahead to ensure your mouth doesn’t become a holiday casualty
