Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
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How to Take Care of Your Teeth & Gums While Hiking or Camping
Eleanor Crawford
When you do not have access to a bathroom, simple, everyday tasks like brushing your teeth can be challenging. This is especially true when you are camping, hiking or when you simply do not have many opportunities to visit a bathroom. Under these circumstances, you may need to use different strategies for taking care of your oral hygiene.
Tips for Basic Oral Hygiene
Bring a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with you. Use a bottle of water to swish around in your mouth and then spit the toothpaste out. Make sure to not spit the toothpaste out near your tent because the odors from the toothpaste will attract bears.
Many backpackers will saw off the handles of their toothbrushes because they work just as well without one and doing so will make the toothbrush smaller and weigh less. There are also fingertip toothbrushes, which are even smaller. If you do not like how much space the toothpaste takes up, you can use toothpaste tablets instead.
If you do not have a toothbrush, you can use your finger to dab toothpaste on your teeth. Your finger does not do as good of a job, but it is better than nothing. If you do not have toothpaste, another alternative is to rub baking soda on your teeth. This should not be used too frequently because it can be more abrasive on your teeth. Some backpackers who are trying to save more space even use peppermint soap. While this is not as pleasant, it can keep your mouth clean.
Regardless of what you choose, avoid using toothpaste that contains fluoride, such as children's toothpaste, because you will then reduce the impact that you have on the environment. When animals find toothpaste, they can consume it and can sometimes become sick.
Tips for Oral Pain & Bleeding
In addition to oral hygiene, you will need to be prepared for if you have any other oral problems. For example, you should bring a numbing agent for if you are experiencing oral pain. Also, if there is any bleeding, you should get gauze so that you can bite down on it.
When you have a less than perfect oral health regimen, it is more likely that you will suffer from more serious oral health problems. To learn more about dental hygiene while hiking or camping, visit a local dental care clinics—especially before you embark on your next trip.
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