3 Things You Can Do To Keep Your Teeth Clean On A Camping Trip

Posted on: 2 August 2016

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If you are planning to go camping during your next vacation, you may be concerned that your teeth will suffer from the event. After all, there will be no traditional bathroom sink as there is in your home, and you may not feel as though you can clean your teeth properly. Here are a few measures that you can take to help keep your teeth clean when you are on a camping trip.

Rinse your mouth regularly with bottled water.

Other than the bottled water that you take along, there may be no other potable water available at your campsite. Nevertheless, bottled water is sufficient for rinsing food particles and bacteria from the teeth.

Rinse your mouth after each meal and snack for the greatest impact. Additionally, you can rinse or sip water periodically throughout your trip.

In addition to washing away decay-causing agents, the water helps dilute bacterial acid and prevents the soft tissues of the mouth from drying out. If you have decided to fill bottles with tap water for use during the camping trip, this water is likely fluoridated. The fluoride will help make your tooth enamel more resistant to acid in the mouth.

Take along your favorite toothbrush (electric or manual) and paste.

Although there may be no sources of electricity at your camp area, a battery-powered toothbrush should still work just fine. If your camping trip will last an extensive period, such as a couple of weeks, be sure to take backup batteries for your brush.

An electric toothbrush is often able to clean the teeth more effectively than a traditional manual toothbrush. Nevertheless, if you only have a manual brush available, good technique and the duration of the brushing session can help ensure that your teeth are still properly cleaned. Brush for two minutes, covering every available tooth surface.

Taking along your regular toothpaste will help ensure that your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and regularly exposed to decay-fighting fluoride.

Bring lots of sugarless gum.

Sugarless gum can be used to keep your teeth clean between brushing sessions on your trip. The gum helps pull away plaque and food from the teeth. Also, due to the chewing motion used as you enjoy a stick of gum, greater amounts of saliva are produced to rinse the mouth and neutralize oral acids. Some gum, such as that which contains cinnamon or xylitol, even helps reduce the number of oral bacteria in your mouth.

To learn more ways to care for your teeth properly on a camping trip, schedule a consultation with a dentist at a clinic such as Kaimuki Dental Group LLP.