Table 2 Potential practical challenges
From: Putting the mouth back in the body – the neglected area of dental and oral travel health
Problems | Examples | What to do |
|---|---|---|
Disrupted routine | - Time difference - No access to bathroom/sink - Toothbrush in inaccessible luggage - Challenging storage of toothbrush | - Consider time difference. - Keep dental care products in hand luggage. - Sugar-free chewing gum. - Toothpaste on finger. - Use salt to rub teeth. |
Hasty hygiene | - Cramped plane/bus/train bathroom - People wait in line - No time between meal and transport pickup - ‘fuzzy tooth sensation’ - Limited facilities - Ice-cold water | - Still try to take time to brush properly - Rinse mouth with clean water (bottled) or cold tea - Toothpaste on finger - Sugar-free chewing gum |
Diet | - Dessert, sweets - Alcohol - Sticky desserts, toffee - Soft drinks - Snacks, chips | - Rinse mouth with water - Use straw to minimise contact - Prefer fruit, nuts- |
Dehydration/ dry mouth (Xerostomia) | - Dry mouth on plane - Dry mouth at altitude (puffing; mouth breathing) - ‘traveller’s breath’ due to high altitude, fast food | On plane: - Sugar-free chewing gum - Drink plenty of water - Avoid alcohol |
Avoidable damage | - Don’t use teeth as ‘tools’ (bottles, nuts) - Wear helmet while using motor scooter or bike and bicycles to avoid facial injuries |