Travelling is thrilling, from packing to planning. So, with your dentures, some extra planning can take you out of worry. Here’s a few little tips to keep your smile bright, no matter how far from home you go!
Essential Denture Care Kit
Imagine having to clean your dentures hundreds of miles from home. Are you tempted to cancel the trip completely? No need to do that. Rather, pack your own denture care kit, which should include:
- Denture case: A hard case helps protect your dentures from getting broken or lost in your luggage.
- Denture cleanser: A travel-sized bottle of your favorite cleanser for overnight soaking.
- Soft-bristle denture brush: A brush designed for dentures ensures gentle, thorough cleaning.
- Denture adhesive (optional): If you use adhesive for a secure fit, pack a travel-sized tube or adhesive strips.
Navigating Airport Security
Dentures usually shouldn’t trigger metal detectors, but if you’re worried, let the security officer know you wear dentures. Keep your denture care kit in your carry-on to have it at hand. All liquids including denture cleansers must follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz or less in a one-quart clear plastic bag). You can buy travel-sized cleansers or wipes for your dentures.
Keeping Them Clean
It is important to brush your dentures after every meal and, at the very least, to rinse them in water if regular brushing is not possible. Soaking your dentures overnight in a cleaning solution is also a good idea to prevent odors.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
If you’re travelling, you may come across foods you’ve never tried before, which could ruin your dentures, so stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods. Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods which could cause your dentures to shift position or get warped.
Handle with Care
Dentures are quite fragile, so take care when you put them in and take them out – use both hands to do either, and don’t bend or break by dropping or damaging them.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping hydrated is very important for your general health and your mouth and gums in particular. Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth which can lead to soreness, stickiness and irritation of dentures. Take a refillable water bottle with you and drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Travelling is stressful, more so in a new environment. Give yourself time to rest. If you are overwhelmed, find ways to care for yourself.
Maintaining Your Denture Routine on the Go
Your denture care routine shouldn’t take a vacation just because you are. Remember to:
- Clean and Soak: Brush your dentures after each meal with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleanser. Soak them overnight in a cleaning solution.
- Brush Your Gums and Tongue: Use a soft toothbrush to brush your tongue and gums, which removes bacteria and freshens breath.
- Use Bottled Water: If in doubt about the quality of your tap water, then use bottled water for rinsing your dentures. .
Bonus Tips
- Small mirror: Take a Handy mirror for inspecting and cleaning your dentures during the day.
- Mouthwash: A travel- friendly mouthwash can freshen your breath and help remove food particles.
- Pain relievers: Keep pain relievers in case of minor irritation.
And so, the next time you are going on holiday with dentures, you should feel confident that you can do so completely stress-free, as long as you follow the tips above. A bit of planning can go a long way towards keeping your smile safe and happy when you travel, no matter where your adventures take you.
