Travel can be a great way to escape from the rut of your usual daily routine, create new memories and have new experiences. However, one routine that it is best not to fall out of while travelling is your oral hygiene routine.

Toothache or an emergency trip to the dentist are surefire ways to ruin your trip, so you need to know how to avoid them.

From what to do before you go to what items you need to pack, here are the essential tips you need to take care of your teeth while travelling.

1. Visit your dentist before you travel
   A few weeks before you set off, schedule a checkup with your dentist. This is important because it gives you a chance to spot and treat any issues that could become big problems during your trip.
   
2. Pack oral care essentials and spares
   If you are heading somewhere very unfamiliar, it may not be easy to find a toothbrush that suits you, so pack your own and take a spare too. Also pack regular oral care items like floss, toothpaste and mouthwash. Travel-sized options are a good choice as you can bring them on flights to freshen up before you reach your destination. If you use a retainer for teeth straightening, take it with you to prevent your teeth falling back out of alignment.
   
3. Keep up your daily habits
   Brush twice a day and floss daily. If you forgot to pack toothpaste or you run out and cannot get hold of any, brush with water instead. It’s not as good but is much better than not brushing at all.  
   
4. Eat healthily
   Travelling can feel like a good excuse to indulge. There is no harm in treating yourself a little, but when there are lots of new foods to try and you’re eating out often, it is all too easy to consume lots of sugar. This will certainly be bad for your teeth. Try to avoid hard and sticky foods. If you do eat something sugary, brush or rinse as soon as possible afterwards. 
   
5. Stay hydrated
   Drink plenty of water, which as well as making you feel better will wash away harmful bacteria and acid on your teeth. Stick to bottled or filtered water if travelling overseas to avoid harmful contaminants.
   
6. Chew sugar-free gum
   This can be found almost everywhere and has several benefits for your teeth. Not only does it freshen your breath, but it stimulates saliva production which washes away bacteria and prevents cavities. It also helps relieve the pressure in your ears when flying. 
   
7. Know when to see a dentist
   Check that your insurance includes provisions for dental care. You will need to see a dentist if you experience toothache, swollen or bleeding gums, or if a tooth or filling breaks or becomes loose.

One thing you’ll certainly be doing while travelling is taking lots of photos, and following these tips will ensure that your smile looks great every time.

For more advice about oral health, visit your dentist or explore the articles on dedicated websites such as BeSeenhub.