Glastonbury may now be nothing but a distant memory and a big pile of washing but did you spend as much time caring for your teeth as you did choosing your wardrobe?
As the festival season is in full swing, here are some top tips to help you with your oral health while you enjoy your weekend away.
Pack that toothbrush!
In the words of Chris Evans from his former Channel 4 days “don’t forget your toothbrush”
We all know that packing for a festival is a job in itself but while you are packing the flower crowns and crates of beer – don’t forget your toothbrush! Studies have shown that a toothbrush is in the top 3 items to forget when it comes to holidays and festivals.
It’s a huge possibility that your alcohol and sugar intake will dramatically increase during your festival visit, leaving you at risk of acid erosion and decay so packing that brush is just as vital as packing baby wipes.
Drink Water!
Drinking water is good for a variety of reasons, hydration after alcohol, the heat of the sun & for your general health and wellbeing. However it also plays a big part in maintaining your oral health. Drinking water after consuming food and drink dramatically reduces the effects of acid erosion and tooth decay.
Bottle opening
When packing that all important weekend bag – pack a bottle opener too! Opening bottles with your teeth is never a great idea. Not only could you damage your teeth, you could be in pain and miles away from an emergency dentist.
Eat, sleep, booze, repeat….
This might be the trending pattern at a festival but did you know that by cleaning your teeth within an hour of eating acidic/sugary food and drinks can cause damage to your precious pearly whites? This is because enamel is softer after coming into contact with food/drink therefore it’s recommended you leave it an hour before brushing to allow the enamel to recover.
Gum anyone?
Keeping clean at a festival can be difficult and finding running water may verge on impossible so I’m sure you won’t be feeling at your best. You can however freshen your breath by having some gum at hand. Always opt for a sugar free version and use it in between meals to protect your mouth when oral hygiene is lower on your priority list. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva which in turn, can reduce the acid attacks caused by eating/drinking, helping protect your teeth from decay and erosion. Please be aware though, chewing gum should never be used as a substitute to tooth brushing.
Were you taught to share as a child?
As a child you may have been taught to share your things however despite growing up and sharing a spoon, a kiss or even a drink – you should never share a toothbrush. Tooth brushing, can at times, cause the gums to bleed and therefore you have the potential to expose yourself or others to blood borne viruses. While this may seem like a scare mongering story, the mouth can contain thousands of good and harmful bacteria and a variety of diseases/viruses such as HIV, hepatitis and herpes. By all means share your festival pictures once you return but please, don’t share your toothbrush
For further information or advice contact College Street Dental Centre in Petersfield, Hampshire on 01730 263180
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