If you’re an avid camper, nothing makes you smile more than fresh air, stargazing and good company around a crackling fire. Just don’t get so distracted by the wonders of the great outdoors that you forget to stay on track with your oral health routine! Try these tips to help keep your smile sparkling while you’re relaxing fireside or hitting the trails.
Brush up
You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time – and that’s true even if you don’t have access to a sink. Use bottled water to wet your toothbrush and rinse your mouth. How you store your toothbrush is also important; you’ll want to keep it in a breathable container so moisture can evaporate. Non-breathable containers, such as sealed sandwich bags or toothbrush covers, lock moisture in, creating the perfect environment for bacteria.
First Things First
Don’t overlook dental items when you’re assembling a first-aid kit before your trip. Cotton, toothache drops and temporary cement for fillings should help alleviate any oral health emergencies until you can get to the dentist. It’s also smart to make sure you have your dentist’s phone number handy. (This is a good idea even when you’re not camping!)
Avoid Sticky Situations
While s’mores and marshmallows are camping staples, they’re not so sweet for your teeth. Try some new, healthy camping recipes, like apple slices roasted with cinnamon instead of brown sugar or garlic-parmesan veggies.
Quench Your Thirst
Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important, but sipping on lots of H2O also helps rinse food particles away from teeth, which is especially helpful in an environment where you may not brush as regularly as you normally do.
Leave No Trace
Most campers are familiar with the “leave no trace” philosophy, which encourages people to leave nature exactly as they found it. Be sure to remove any and all trash, including floss and any disposable items, like single-use toothbrushes, travel-size toothpaste tubes or paper cups.
