We can all agree that last winter was a particularly chilly one here in Mississippi, and most of us are glad to see the green grass and flip flops. 

Only one more month left until the kids are back in school and some of you are in the middle of summer vacation plans. While vacations are an opportunity to relax, your dental health should not be away on vacation. Here are five tips from Jackson Family Dentistry to maintain your oral health routines while on vacation.

REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Your toothbrush – don’t leave home without it.
Stick to your routine — continue to brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss daily. Carry travel-sized packets of floss or dental picks in your purse or pocket if you’ll be out for most of the day. If you’re travelling, a collapsible toothbrush and a roll of floss fit nicely into your purse or carry-on luggage. If you have a summer home or condo, stock up on toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste for the season.


SEE DR. JACKSON BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Book a dental exam well before your vacation.Dr. Jackson can detect problems before you may experience any symptoms, and any necessary treatment can be taken care of before you leave. 
If a family member has braces and will be away for several weeks, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with the orthodontist prior to leaving.

If you plan on participating in any sport or activity where there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces — soccer, racquetball or in-line skating in the summer, (or skating, snowboarding or skiing in the winter) — you may want to talk to our office about a mouth guard.


BE PREPARED
Do your research before your trip on the dental care available in the area where you will be staying. Get the contact information for local dentists and phone ahead for information on office hours. Or, Dr. Jackson may be able to recommend a dentist in the area. This will save you precious time in case of a dental emergency.

EAT HEALTHY
Indulging in sweet and sticky foods while on vacation may be fun, but try to minimize the amount you consume. Keep those s’mores around the campfire to a minimum. Best bet? Stick to fruits and vegetables as they contain the essential vitamins and minerals teeth and gums need to stay strong and healthy.

Drink plenty of water, every day. It is the best way to stay hydrated, no matter if you’re sitting on a beach or hiking in the hills.


BEWARE OF THE RAYS
Moderate exposure to sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D, which is used by the body to absorb calcium and phosphorous, helping to keep teeth and bones strong. However, prolonged exposure to the sun can increase your risk of cancers, including to the lips and the mouth.

When applying sunscreen, don’t forget your nose and lips. Use a lip balm that contains protection against UVA and UVB rays.


HAVE A GREAT TRIP!
Stop by our office before your trip and book your summer cleanings today.
Call us today: (662) 895-7338

Did you know that poor oral health can lead to many seemingly unrelated medical conditions? In fact, oral bacteria and oral disease have been linked to a variety of serious illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and pregnancy complications.

Importance of Oral Health
The following examples illustrate the relationship between your oral health and general health.
• Tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs affect both your overall and oral health.
• Dry mouth, or a lack of saliva, increases your risk of tooth decay.
• Oral pain resulting in an inability to eat properly can prevent you from getting the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy.

Periodontal Disease
Oral health can often be used to diagnose underlying health issues.
• The advanced form of gum disease, called periodontitis, causes tooth loss and is also sometimes associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia.
• Pregnant women with periodontitis are at an increased risk for delivering babies that are pre-term and/or have low birth weight.
• Diabetics are more likely to develop periodontitis, and more severe cases of it.
• People who smoke or drink alcohol have an increased risk of periodontitis and other conditions, such as oral cancer.

What This Means to You
Given the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, preventing periodontitis may turn out to be an important step in maintaining your overall health. In most cases, this can be accomplished by practicing good daily oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing and regular seeing a dentist for cleanings. Tell us about changes in your oral health, including any recent illnesses or chronic conditions.

Also provide us with an updated health history, including medication you use—both prescription and over-the-counter. 

​Book your appointment at Jackson Family Dentistry today, give us a call at (662) 895-7338