Dental hygiene is often one of the first things to go when people get busy. The majority of people should brush their teeth at least twice a day, and it’s always perfectly fine to brush an extra time. However, you might find this hard to do when you work long hours or spend time taking your kids from one activity to another.
These dental hygiene on the go practices help you stay on top of your family’s dental health. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes a day to keep tooth decay away.
Create a Dental Hygiene Kit
Most dental products can be found in portable, travel-friendly sizes that are perfect for creating a kit for each member of your family. Grab a small makeup bag or waterproof pouch, and fill it up with a toothbrush, floss and mouthwash. Your family can toss these kits into their day bags and have an easy way to clean their teeth when they are away from home during their normal hygiene times. This is an especially effective way to make sure your kids have what they need to brush their teeth during overnight stays with their friends or when they spend long hours playing sports.
Give Interdental Brushes a Try
Toothpicks can sometimes cause damage to the teeth and gums when they are used wrong. Interdental brushes are one of the best tools that you can use for dental hygiene on the go. They are designed for getting small particles of food out of the spaces between your teeth. This is also an option that some people find faster than flossing when they are out and about. All you need is a mirror and the brush to quickly get those embarrassing, and potentially damaging, pieces of food that are suck in your teeth.
Carry Water to Rinse After Meals
In a perfect world, you’d always have time and space to brush your teeth after eating. Realistically, you may sometimes have to wait. For these times, consider rinsing your mouth with water. This simple action helps to remove food particles and rinse away acids that contribute to tooth decay.
Choose Tooth-Friendly Snacks
A healthy diet also makes it easier to prevent dental problems. Tooth-friendly snacks should not stick to the teeth. They can also serve as a natural toothbrush. For instance, apple slices and other crunchy fresh fruit and vegetables gently scrape tartar and plaque off of your teeth as you eat.
Chew Sugar Free Gum
Gum freshens your breath, but it also does so much more. Sugar free gum helps to pull food particles out of the tiny crevices of your teeth so that they don’t have time to break down and cause cavities. Gum that contains the ingredient xylitol can also help to reduce tooth decay when you chew it between meals.
Plan for Hygiene Breaks During Long Trips
Traveling disrupts schedules, and families with kids often find that they arrive at their destination after everyone’s normal tooth brushing time. If you suspect that this will happen, then consider taking a bathroom break so that everyone can brush his or her teeth after dinner. Sticking to your routine as much as possible makes it easier to fall back into it when you get home.
When life heats up, it is easy to overlook when it is time for a dental cleaning or exam. Make sure to schedule your appointments in advance and add them to your calendar. Between regular checkups and your efforts at dental hygiene on the go, you’ll keep those pearly whites looking bright.
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