Are you in the throes of packing for a family vacation? Is your house covered in clothes, food, sunscreen, and more sunscreen? Did you make five organized lists of what to pack but you still feel like you’re missing something? If I just described your life then don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Packing can be stressful and that’s why we created this easy Dental Travel Packing List for you to follow. So, make yourself a nice cup of tea, take a break, and read this checklist.

1. Toothbrush

Packing a toothbrush may seem simple, but before you throw it into your bag, take a moment to think through your options. If you’re traveling by air, you might want to consider bringing a disposable toothbrush. A disposable toothbrush is efficient, hygienic, and best of all disposable! Most flights won’t allow you to bring toothpaste on the flight with you, so a small toothbrush with dry toothpaste already on it is perfect for a long flight. If you aren’t flying, maybe you want to try getting a travel toothbrush. Travel toothbrushes were specifically designed to be easy to carry. Travel brushes tend to be smaller than normal toothbrushes. They also usually come with an attached case to protect the bristles from any germs.

2. Toothbrush Case

Did you know there are approximately 100 bacteria on an uncovered toothbrush? You may not want to brush your teeth after learning that, but don’t worry, there is an easy way to protect yourself from germs. Try investing in a travel case for your toothbrush. A case is essential to keeping your toothbrush clean and free of germs! It is important to remember to not place your toothbrush in its case if the bristles are still wet after brushing. By placing the wet bristles in an enclosed space, you are creating an environment for bacteria to grow. Instead wait for the bristles to dry before putting them back in the case. If you’re in a rush use a clean paper towel to pat it dry.

3. Toothpaste

Packing toothpaste, much like packing a toothbrush, is not as straightforward as you think. You always want to make sure you are the right size if you’re flying on a plane. It’s also important to consider the size of toothpaste you’re bringing based on the length of your trip. You don’t want to run out and have to buy more. Don’t feel like you must stick with your regular paste; you could also get toothpaste in powder or tablets. You can easily find either of them online or at most stores. These options might be easier to travel with and will take up less space.

4. Dental Floss

Less than a third of Americans floss consistently. If you fall into the minority then don’t let vacation break your habit! If you identify with the other two-thirds of the population, then use vacation to form this healthy habit. Whether you prefer floss picks or floss string there are great travel options for you! If you prefer floss picks don’t just bring the whole bag. You can save some space by investing in a small travel case for the floss picks. This is a great option, especially if you’re just traveling for a few days. And then of course you have your travel cases for dental string. Don’t forget to check how much dental floss is in the container. You wouldn’t want to run out of floss on your trip.

5. Mouth Wash

Like toothpaste you need to be careful you follow and rules regarding liquid if you’re flying. If you’re driving mouthwash can still take up a lot of room in your bags. Finding a smaller, travel-friendly bottle of mouthwash is a great way to free up a little more space for you to squeeze in that extra shirt you wanted to bring. You also want to be careful to make sure you’ve screwed the top tight. The last thing you want is all your clothes to get soaked by mint-flavored mouthwash.

6. Oral Pain Relievers

You always want to make sure you’re prepared for any situation and that includes any dental pain you might experience. If you’re leaving for a trip, no matter how short or long it is, make sure to pack some pain relievers in case you get a toothache. There are a few very easy forms of pain relievers you could bring. Ibuprofen and naproxen are two of the best.

Conclusion

Packing for your trip can be a hassle, but hopefully, your dental kit is one less packing list you need to worry about. You have all the essentials and all your options right here. It’s important to have fun on your vacation, but it’s just as important to practice healthy dental care. So don’t forget these items, but most importantly don’t forget to use them.

Athens Family Dental is your home for dental advice. We offer general consultations and specialized care to help you achieve the dental health you deserve. Schedule an appointment today!