Travelling is thrilling, from packing to planning. So, with your dentures, some extra planning can take you out of worry. Here are 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
If you’re flying internationally, it’s worth checking the security rules for each airport on your route, as liquid allowances can vary slightly from country to country. As a general guide, most airports follow a 100ml (3.4oz) limit per container for liquids, gels and pastes, including denture cleanser, so decant into a small labelled bottle if your usual one is larger. Solid cleaning tablets aren’t subject to the same liquid restrictions, so they’re a handy backup if you’re unsure about the rules at your destination.
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-bristle 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.
Denture Packing Checklist
Print this out or save it to your phone so you never leave home without the essentials:
- Denture case (hard-shell, labelled with your name)
- Denture cleanser (travel-sized, TSA-compliant)
- Soft-bristle denture brush
- Denture adhesive or adhesive strips
- Backup set of dentures, if you have one
- Small mirror
- Travel-friendly mouthwash
- Pain relievers
- Refillable water bottle
- Contact details for your dentist back home
Tick each item off before you zip up your bag, and you’ll have everything covered without the last-minute scramble.
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.
If you need help, adjustments, or advice, speak to our clinic on +4407789 696472, and we’ll be happy to assist you.