Why Do Some People Get More Tartar Than Others?
6 November 2026
There’s something about going away that seems to make all our usual routines disappear.
Breakfast happens at 10am, lunch might be an ice cream, you’re snacking in the car, and your toothbrush is somewhere at the bottom of a suitcase you definitely don’t feel like unpacking.
Whether you’re heading away for a weekend or taking a longer trip, looking after your teeth doesn’t need to get in the way of enjoying yourself.
A little preparation can help keep your oral health routine ticking along while you’re away.
1. Pack a Small Dental Kit
Rather than throwing your toothbrush somewhere in your luggage, keep the basics together in a small toiletry bag.
A toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste and whatever you normally use to clean between your teeth are really all you need.
If you’re flying, keeping a small dental kit in your carry-on can also be handy, particularly on a long journey or if your checked luggage decides to take a holiday of its own.
2. Let Your Toothbrush Dry
Putting a wet toothbrush straight into a sealed container and leaving it there for days isn’t ideal.
A toothbrush cover can help protect the bristles while it’s in your luggage, but once you arrive, take it out and allow it to air dry between uses where possible.
And try not to leave everyone’s toothbrushes crammed together in the same cup with the bristles touching.
3. Keep Water Handy
Travel days can involve plenty of coffee stops, soft drinks and snacks, especially during long drives or flights.
Keeping water nearby is one of the easiest things you can do.
As well as keeping you hydrated, water can help rinse food particles from your mouth after eating. If you can’t brush your teeth for a while, having some water after a meal or snack is a simple habit to get into.
4. Be Mindful of Constant Snacking
Part of the fun of travelling is trying different foods, and we’re certainly not suggesting you spend your holiday worrying about every treat.
It’s the frequency that’s worth thinking about.
Long drives and sightseeing days can turn into hours of grazing without you really noticing. Your teeth are then repeatedly exposed to sugars or acids throughout the day.
Enjoy your snacks, but where possible, try not to turn the entire day into one continuous snack.
5. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Travel Tools
Can’t open the packet? Can’t get the tag off? Bottle lid being stubborn?
Your teeth aren’t the solution.
Using your teeth to tear packaging or open things can result in chips, cracks and other damage. It takes seconds to find scissors or ask someone for help and potentially saves you from dealing with a damaged tooth while you’re away.
Your teeth have enough jobs already.
6. Don’t Abandon Your Nighttime Routine
After a long day, brushing your teeth can suddenly feel like an enormous task.
But going to bed without brushing means plaque, food debris and whatever you’ve eaten or drunk that evening can remain around your teeth overnight.
Even if your normal routine has completely disappeared while you’re away, try to hold onto the basics: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth regularly.
Two minutes before bed is worth it.
7. Don’t Put Off a Dental Problem Because You’re About to Leave
If a tooth has been aching, a filling feels different or something in your mouth has been bothering you, don’t assume it’ll be fine until you get home.
Dental problems have an unfortunate habit of becoming much more noticeable at inconvenient times.
If you’re aware of an issue before you travel, come and see us. Depending on what’s happening, we may be able to assess it before you leave and let you know what your options are.
Going Away Soon?
Holidays are for switching off, not spending your time wondering whether that tooth is going to start hurting again.
If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity or another dental problem, or you’re due for a check-up, come and see us before you head away.
Our team can check how everything is looking and address any concerns you may have before your trip.
Get in touch with our practice to book an appointment.