Summer Camping Tips From Your Boise Dentist

Its summer! During this time of year many of us like to spend a weekend in the great outdoors, hiking throughout the woods, paddling a canoe, or sleeping under the stars while leaving work and all of your other responsibilities behind. Well… Maybe not all of your responsibilities. No matter what you decide to do, you should always think about your overall Boise dental health. So before you brave the traffic ahead, don’t forget to pack your toothbrush and consider the following tips from your Boise dentist:

Mouthwash: The Next Best Thing

Mouthwash can be a real lifesaver when it comes to boosting your Boise dental health on your next camping trip or when brushing your teeth simply isn’t practical. Keep in mind that while mouthwash should NEVER replace brushing, it does however help to reduce the level of oral bacteria in the mouth. It is also great at fighting off morning breath and other annoyances. Your Boise dentist recommends purchasing a non-alcoholic mouthwash so that it can be used by campers of any age.

Stay Hydrated

Boise dental health ties into your overall health, and your overall health is greatly affected by hydration. During the summer, it is easy to get dehydrated due to high temperatures, or relaxing all day in the sun. It is especially important to drink lots of water during physical activities like swimming and hiking. Wherever you go, it’s always a good idea to bring along a refillable water bottle to ensure water is never out of reach.

Watch Your Diet

There are certain foods like chips, hotdogs, and s’mores that have become the traditional staple for camping trips. However, at the expense of your health, try cutting back on these salty foods in favor of something a little more healthy and enjoyable. Many fruits and veggies like oranges, broccoli, and apples are full of vitamins and nutrients that help contribute to your Boise dental health. *Another tip from your Boise dentist – Cheese contains natural cavity fighting agents!

Watch Out For Bears!

You many not think about it, but mint flavored toothpaste can actually attract bears! Make sure to store items like these in a sealable bag a good distance from your campsite just as you would your food. This includes floss, and mouthwash as well. The last thing you want is a bear using your toothbrush!

No matter where you go or what you do, its important to maintain proper Boise dental hygiene, because unlike you, bad breath and tooth decay don’t take days off! Happy camping!!!