Canal Side Family Dental is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Summer is vacation season! Whether you plan to relax on the beach, hike in the mountains, or go on an exotic adventure abroad, you should pause for a moment to think about your oral health before you take off. Use these five tips for maintaining a healthy smile during summer vacation:
Visit Your Dentist
Before you take off on your trip, schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist. They will examine your mouth to look for any signs of an oral health problem that might turn into an emergency down the road. Hopefully, you will have time to get such issues treated prior to your vacation. Plus, you will get to enjoy a refreshing cleaning that will help your smile look its best in your vacation photos.
Pack the Essentials
Even if you are a rugged adventurer who plans to rough it in the wilderness during your vacation, you should do all you can to adhere to a normal oral hygiene routine. To that end, be sure to put the following items in your luggage:
- Fluoridated toothpaste
- A toothbrush
- Floss
- Any items that you might need to care for dentures, braces, or other oral appliances
Stay Hydrated
In all of the buzz and excitement surrounding a vacation, it can be easy to forget to drink water. However, staying hydrated is of paramount importance for your oral health. Adequate water intake can encourage saliva production, and saliva is essential for strengthening your teeth and rinsing away unwanted food particles and bacteria. Try to carry a bottle of water with you and sip from it regularly, especially if you are doing a lot of physical activities in the summer heat.
Protect Your Lips
You are probably diligent about applying SPF to your body, but what about your lips? Overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays could cause them to burn and increase your risk of cancer. Apply a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher, and be sure to wear a hat with a high UPF when you are outside during the hottest part of the day.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
It is unlikely that you will experience a dental emergency during your vacation, but you should still be prepared for the possibility. Here are a few things you can do to equip yourself for the unexpected:
- Know where to find help. Google or your hotel’s concierge service may be able to help you find a reputable dentist.
- Pack basic supplies. It would be good to have some gauze, over-the-counter pain reliever, and other basic medical supplies on-hand.
- Treat your tooth gently. If you have a toothache, try to avoid chewing with the damaged tooth and minimize your intake of foods that could cause sensitivity, like spicy, hot, and cold items.
A healthy smile can help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest extent possible! Use the above tips to protect your oral wellness during your getaway.
Meet the Practice
The talented practitioners at Canal Side Family Dental are proud to provide comprehensive oral care for the Buzzards Bay community. If you would like our guidance on how you can maintain a healthy smile this summer and well into the future, we are ready to answer your questions. Contact our team at 508-375-3149.