4 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean On the Go
Updated August 17, 2016
Are you equipped to take care of your teeth when you are not at home? Do you have a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, or dental floss at your disposal? If you answered no, then you need to learn the tips and tricks of keeping your teeth clean and your smile bright when you are on the go.
It's easy to keep your teeth clean when you're at home with all the necessary tools at your disposal, but things get tricky when you're out running around. A fresh clean smile is important, whether you're getting ready to wow your audience in a boardroom presentation, or rushing straight from the job to an exciting date. Use these tricks to make sure your teeth stay sparkling no matter how busy your day.
Think About What You Eat
Image via Flickr by www.tOrange.biz
When you are out and about, you do not have all the tools with you to keep your teeth clean. Even if you do, most likely you do not have a sink or a mirror with you. If you have a sink and mirror at your disposal, such as when you are at work, that is great. But what happens when you are on the go without a place to clean your teeth?
That is when you have to think about what you are eating. The best choice is not going to be an item with stickiness such as a caramel roll or a caramel apple. Not only does that stickiness get in between your teeth, but it also causes your teeth to have a nasty film that you are in no position to remove until you get home. Another food item to stay away from is garlic and onions. Sure these items are very low in sugar so that they won’t adhere to your teeth, but if you have to speak face-to-face with anyone for a meeting or a sale, you are going to wish you skipped the spicy garlic and onion chili dog for lunch. Those items can cause a foul odor in your mouth and give you bad breath as well. Not even a mint or gum can help at times as they just mask the smell. Do yourself a favor and make sure you choose wisely when it comes to what you eat when you are on the go.
Your eating and drinking habits have a big impact on the freshness of your teeth. If you're guzzling coffee and soda or chowing down on candy bars and chips, you're going to have some problems. Stick with water as your beverage of choice and you won't have to worry about the discoloration associated with dark drinks. Avoid snacks that stick in your teeth, and opt for those that are fresh and crunchy instead. Swap your candy bar for an apple and chips for crisp carrots.
Brush Up Half an Hour Later
So what do you do when that chili dog is still hanging around on your breath? Your best bet is to have some travel mouthwash stashed in your car, purse, or at the office. If you do not have the time or the teeth brushing tools with you, at least you can swish a little mouthwash around to neutralize the odor and freshen your breath before your big meeting or sales pitch.
Keep a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your desk, briefcase, or purse for a quick cleanup when you there's an important meeting or event. These handy tools give you a fast confidence boost if you're feeling insecure about your breath or your smile. Don't use them right after a meal, though. Acidic substances like sports drinks, citrus juices, and soda will lower the pH in your mouth and soften your teeth. If you brush right after eating, you can damage your teeth. Wait half an hour and freshen up then.
Grab a Paper Towel
Here is a little trick for when you are in dire need of a brushing but do not have any materials with you. If you can find a clean and sturdy paper towel, you can improvise to make it into a disposable, travel cleaner.
If you don't have access to a toothbrush, a paper towel can do the trick. Fold the paper towel in half and wrap it around your finger. Scrub vigorously, focusing on the area around your gum line for optimum freshness. Though this shouldn't replace your twice-daily brushing routine, it offers a fast fix for cleaner teeth.
Grow Mint in Your Office
If you find you're struggling with a less-than-fresh mouth midway through the work day, try growing a little mint at your desk. This makes for a decorative plant and an easy breath freshener. It's a great alternative to gums and mints since those often have sugars or artificial sweeteners that are unhealthy and downright bad for your teeth.
Give your breath a minty kick without damaging your teeth using a few mint leaves. Just pluck one or two from your plant and chew on them. This is particularly efficient for fighting the smell of garlic or onion. You can swallow the leaves when you're done. They're good for your digestion!
These quick fixes for your teeth work best when you keep your teeth in great shape to begin with. Schedule regular cleanings every six months and take care of any problems, like cavities, promptly. A dental discount plan can help you cut the costs associated with dental care to keep things manageable. Prompt attention to your teeth makes them easier to take care of, no matter how busy your schedule gets.
