Keep all mouths in your family healthy while camping, RVing, or away from home this summer with our expert tips on outdoor oral care:
- Brushing with bottled water is a healthy way to keep plaque at bay while out in the wild. If clean running water isn’t available, you can still brush morning and night with bottled water.
- Are you bringing kids along? Make sure to remind them when it’s time to brush and floss. Going on vacation or a camping trip is so much fun, but it can disrupt your normal routine at home. A few reminders can go a long way!
- Make sure everyone has their own toothbrush. Sharing toothbrushes is never a good idea. Cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from a mouth with cavities to a healthy mouth whether you’re camping or not.
- Battery-powered electric toothbrushes allow you to maintain good brushing habits no matter where you are. The best part is they don’t need any charging!
- A wet toothbrush makes an ideal home for bacteria growth. Make sure your toothbrushes are dry before packing them. Then, make sure they have a cool, dry place to keep them until it’s time to brush again!
- Be respectful to nature. Don’t leave used floss or globs of toothpaste at the campground, as they could make the animals sick if they eat them. Brush at the far edge of camp and spray the spit instead to spread it out. This will help minimize the environmental impact.
- Snacking on trail mix along the way? Raisins can be quite sticky, and the sugar in trail mix can also damage your teeth. Always have a bottle of water at your side not only to stay hydrated but also to rinse the mouth after eating and between brushes. This will help keep the mouth lubricated and hydrated, flushing at any trapped food particles.
- Be sure to bring sugar-free gum! Gum can help freshen the breath and reduce bacteria in the mouth between brushings. DON’T spit the gum on the ground, of course, as this is also harmful to nature.
- Emergencies can happen anywhere, and so can dental emergencies. Pack up an emergency dental kit with cotton, tweezers, toothache drops or pain reliever, sterile gauze pads.
- Did you know? Bears are attracted to mint, so pre-pack everyone’s toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash in individual bags. If possible, find oral health products that are not mint-flavored.
Do you have more tips for maintaining a healthy dental routine while camping? Share them with us below or on our social channels!
For more on dental health away from home, check out:
*Updated June 2022
