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When you leave on a trip, you probably double-check that evrything’s ready: your clothes are packed, your ticket is handy, and your passport waits patiently on top of your bag or in a special pocket.

The same level of preparedness should apply with regard to caring for your oral health when you’re about to leave home for a while. Whether you’re jumping in the car for a weekend camping trip or flying halfway across the globe for a longer stint, the tips below will help you keep your teeth healthy whil you’re away.

Prepare Ahead of Time

The key to maintaining good oral hygiene during travel is preparation. Schedule a regular dental appointment so your teeth are freshly cleaned and ready before you leave. This can identify potential issues that might cause problems while you’re away.

If you have any items on a dental “to-do” list, such as wisdom tooth removal, replacement of a filling, or orthodontic adjustment, it’s a good idea to get those procedures completed before your trip.

En Route

If you’re stuck on a long flight or trekking far into the woods, you might find yourself where there’s no sink or even a toothbrush at hand. We speak for everyone when we say that nothing is worse than a mouth that feels, shall we say, less than fresh.

A lemon wedge or Granny Smith apple slice can help freshen up your breath when you’re in need of a quick fix. Rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water can help to wash away bacteria that causes cavities and reduce that gritty sensation. If you’ve got toothpaste, put a dot on your finger or a damp washcloth to serve as a makeshift toothbrush.

Nowadays, travel-sized dental products are available at most grocery stores and pharmacies. You can find travel toothbrushes, mini mouthwashes, and pocket-sized floss to slip into your travel bag.

Colgate makes disposable mini-toothbrushes called Wisps that can help you freshen up when you may not have access to a regular toothbrush. Packing a few extra dental supplies may also be a good idea in case one gets damaged or lost.

At Your Destination

Traveling abroad can expose you to unfamiliar conditions. Some countries have compromised water sources that will make you extremely ill if ingested, even from the tiny amount of water with which you wet your toothbrush.

Minimize that risk and keep bottles of water on hand instead for rinsing your mouth and toothbrush. If your toothbrush comes in contact with contaminated water, swapping it out for a new one is the safest option.

Storing your toothbrush properly is necessary to prevent bacteria from growing on it. Place your brush in a Ziploc bag when you’re on the go and allow it to breathe once you get to a temporary destination.

Traveling near or far should be an enjoyable experience. Dental issues shouldn’t be a source of worry on your vacation. As long as you’re prepared and take precautions, your teeth can stay healthy even when they’re out of the country!

Of course, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Ypsilanti, MI office.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the first few days of April! There’s a lot going on this month and we can’t wait to share all that it has in store.

Whether you spent the day at a big family gathering or simply indulged in a few chocolate treats at home, we hope your Easter Sunday was wonderful. We love holidays for the opportunity to catch up with our families and of course, all the delicious food. Our staff is particularly fond of Reese’s Easter Eggs because who doesn’t love a peanut butter and chocolate combo? When you do indulge, just be sure to brush and floss afterward.

Once the weather starts to get nicer, we know that must mean that baseball season is on the way. We’re looking forward to cheering on the Tigers this season! Let us know what teams you’re rooting for next time you’re in the office.

Did you know April 22nd is Earth Day? We’re challenging you all to participate any way you can this month. A good way to start living a more eco-friendly lifestyle is by cutting down on your plastic usage. Our office has made it a goal to be more mindful of what we use and discard. Buying a reusable water bottle, cutting back on purchasing products in plastic packaging or bringing your own bags to the grocery store are easy ways to start living green. It’s so important to take care of our environment so that it stays a healthy place to live for generations to come.

We’re looking forward to spending this season enjoying the warmer weather with our families. Have a wonderful April and we hope to see you soon!

We hope you’ve enjoyed the first few days of April! There’s a lot going on this month and we can’t wait to share all that it has in store.

Whether you spent the day at a big family gathering or simply indulged in a few chocolate treats at home, we hope your Easter Sunday was wonderful. We love holidays for the opportunity to catch up with our families and of course, all the delicious food. Our staff is particularly fond of Reese’s Easter Eggs because who doesn’t love a peanut butter and chocolate combo? When you do indulge, just be sure to brush and floss afterward.

Once the weather starts to get nicer, we know that must mean that baseball season is on the way. We’re looking forward to cheering on the Tigers this season! Let us know what teams you’re rooting for next time you’re in the office.

Did you know April 22nd is Earth Day? We’re challenging you all to participate any way you can this month. A good way to start living a more eco-friendly lifestyle is by cutting down on your plastic usage. Our office has made it a goal to be more mindful of what we use and discard. Buying a reusable water bottle, cutting back on purchasing products in plastic packaging or bringing your own bags to the grocery store are easy ways to start living green. It’s so important to take care of our environment so that it stays a healthy place to live for generations to come.

We’re looking forward to spending this season enjoying the warmer weather with our families. Have a wonderful April and we hope to see you soon!

Did you know your toothbrush could be covered with almost ten million germs? We know … it’s gross! That’s why you should know how to store your toothbrush properly, and when it’s time to replace it.

If you need to brush up on your toothbrush care knowledge, we’ve got you covered so brushing will always leave you feeling squeaky clean.

Keeping a Clean Toothbrush

Your mouth is home to hundreds of types of microorganisms, so it’s normal for some of them to hang onto your toothbrush after you’ve used it. Rinsing your brush thoroughly with water after each use can get rid of leftover toothpaste and food particles that cling to the bristles. Some dentists suggest soaking your toothbrush in mouthwash every now and then can help reduce the amount of bacteria further.

Store your toothbrush in a cool, open environment away from the toilet or trash bin to avoid airborne germs. Closed containers should be avoided because they provide a warm, wet habitat that bacteria love to grow in.

If you have multiple people sharing one sink, an upright holder with different sections will keep everyone’s brushes separated and avoid cross contamination. In addition, we would hope this is a no-brainer, but please don’t share toothbrushes!

Microwaves and dishwashers are not suitable tools for cleaning a toothbrush, because brushes aren’t built to last through this kind of treatment. If you want a really clean toothbrush, your best option is simply to buy a new one.

Replacing Your Toothbrush

The American Dental Association recommends you replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner depending on individual circumstances. Dr. Betsy Meade and our team agree. If you have braces, tend to brush too strongly, or the bristles become frayed, it’s time for a new brush.

Children will also need replacement brushes more frequently than adults. If you or your child has been sick, you should replace the toothbrush immediately to avoid re-exposing yourself to illness.

Worn-out brushes are not only unsanitary, they don’t do a good job cleaning teeth. Bristles that are worn out and dull won’t scrape away plaque and bacteria as well as a fresh toothbrush can.

Though the idea of ten million germs can be worrisome, if you take a few small precautions, you may ensure your toothbrush stays in good shape. And the cleaner the toothbrush, the cleaner the smile!