Toothsome Travel Tips for Frequent Flyers
Travelers need to be organized—especially when it comes to your oral health. So fasten your seatbelts and scan this safety card for your smile:
• Airplane Water
High altitudes call for hydration, so drink up. On an airplane, sink and bottled water aren’t as interchangeable as peanuts and pretzels. Though there have been improvements to airline water in recent years, it’s still better to drink bottled water or fill up a reusable water bottle before boarding when flying the friendly skies.
• Tooth Pain
A toothache midflight might be a case of barodontalgia, AKA “tooth squeeze,” that happens because of a change in barometric pressure during flight. The pain source can be caused by a developing cavity or from a previous filling. Either way, schedule a dental exam when you touch down.
• Bad Breath
“Traveler’s breath” is what may happen when you mix high altitude with changes in your dietary habits. Many travelers grab fast food or go without eating; both habits can induce bad breath. Plan snacks accordingly to keep breath fresh. And never underestimate the power of packing those travel dental items.
