One of the best parts about an annual dental cleaning is the flexibility you have when scheduling. When you plan ahead, you can select the best times and options to treat your teeth. If you like to schedule dental cleanings in the summer, then consider a cleaning after a camping trip.
A camping trip may introduce elements to your teeth that a dental professional will help take care of. Learn about the elements and ways to protect your smile through preventive treatment.
1. Camping and Your Food
Camping foods are their own unique category with a lot of options specifically made for a campground. You may find yourself roasting marshmallows on the open fire. Marshmallows are almost all sugar and become stickier the longer they heat up. Without proper mouth care, marshmallows can easily stick to your teeth.
The sugar can break down and cause damage to your enamel and eventually lead to cavities. Many campers like to pair marshmallows with chocolate to create s'mores. The treat is a camping delight but introduces even more harmful sugar elements.
Grilled foods could create problems as well. Hard charred pieces of chicken, steak, or a burger could cut your gums and crack or chip your teeth. If you suffer a toothache from eating grilled foods, then you should seek dental treatment immediately after the trip. If pieces of hard food become wedged in your teeth, the gums could swell up and become prone to bacteria.
2. Camping and Mouth Care
The outdoors and wilderness do not supply the best situation for proper oral care. You may not have access to running water and miss out on opportunities to properly brush your teeth. Even if you pack a toothbrush, you may forget extra items like floss or a water pick. The lack of proper care could lead to a build-up of plaque or tartar.
When you schedule a dental cleaning after your trip, a dentist will perform a complete cleaning of your mouth and help cover the areas you missed. Special tools will help remove plaque and tartar build-up to prevent the onset of gum disease or other dental issues.
A scheduled cleaning will ensure you do not suffer any problems later down the line.
3. Bacteria and Toothbrush Storage
Storing a toothbrush is a lot different when you are camping. If you leave a wet toothbrush out in the open, bacteria can grow right on the brush. The next time you brush, you could introduce the bacteria right back into your mouth. Use paper towels or a washcloth to dry off your toothbrush once you've finished brushing.
Ideally, you want to purchase a toothbrush or travel toothbrush that is used just for camping. If you do not have a travel case for the toothbrush, use a separate bag. Keep the toothbrush separate from others. Once your trip is complete, you can recycle or throw the toothbrush away.
A dental cleaning will use fluoride treatments and other cleaning tools to eliminate bacteria from the mouth. A dentist may recommend specific mouthwashes to use on future camping trips. A dentist can also examine your mouth and see areas that are prone to bacteria growth. Deep gum pockets or crowded teeth could collect more bacteria and result in dental issues.
A dentist can provide a deep cleaning for your gums. A deep cleaning will go into the gum to scrape away any plaque build-up. If you have taken a camping trip that is a week or longer, you could have more bacteria build-up than you realize. Your routine is often changed while camping, which can lead to additional dental issues.
Schedule your appointment with us today at
Advanced Dental Care. We can schedule your appointment months in advance and provide you with a comprehensive cleaning in the days following your camping trip.
