How to take care of your teeth while camping [10 useful tips]

Bad breath can foul up the best camping trip. Just because you’re roughing it outdoors doesn’t mean your teeth should do the same. Keep your mouth healthy and your breath pleasant even when deep in the woods with these 10 useful tips:

Before you leave

1. Make sure everyone packs 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.

2. If available, bring battery-powered electric toothbrushes to maintain good brushing habits no matter where you are. Remember to charge them before you start your trip.

3. 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! 

 

At the campsite

4. Brushing with bottled water morning and night is a healthy way to keep plaque at bay if clean water isn’t available in the outdoors.

5. Are you bringing kids along? Remind them when it’s time to brush and floss. Going on vacation or a campaign trip is so much fun, but it can disrupt the home routine. Help them keep healthy dental habits even when away!

6. Snacking on trail mix along the way? Raisins can be quite sticky, and the sugar can also damage your teeth. Always have a water bottle at your side to stay hydrated and rinse the mouth after eating and between brushes. This will help keep the mouth lubricated and flush out any trapped food particles. 

7. Bring sugar-free gum! Gum can help freshen the breath and reduce bacteria in the mouth between brushing. DON’T spit the gum on the ground, of course, as this is harmful to nature.

8. Emergencies can happen anywhere, and so can dental emergencies. Pack up an emergency dental kit with cotton, tweezers, toothache drops or pain reliever, and sterile gauze pads.

 

Always respect nature

9. Don’t leave used floss or globs of toothpaste at the campground, as they can make the animals sick if they eat it. Brush at the far edge of camp and spray the spit instead to spread it out. This will help minimize the environmental impact.

10. Don’t tempt wild animals. Did you know that bears are attracted to mint? Avoid surprise visitors to your campsite by packing everyone’s toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash in individual resealable plastic bags and keeping them tightly wrapped when not in use.

 

For more on dental health away from home, check out: How to Use Dental Benefits Abroad. 

 

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