It’s no surprise that people are busier than ever. It always seems we have somewhere important to be. This busy lifestyle makes flossing even more difficult. Just because you are running to that next meeting or catching a red-eye to get home doesn’t mean you should skip your flossing routine. Here are some discrete ways to handle your oral hygiene needs while traveling.

Flossing is a critical way to remove the food and dirt debris found between your teeth. Next to brushing, it is one of the most important ways you care for the mouth. Flossing gets into those tight areas where a toothbrush simply can’t reach. For the best results, you want to floss at least once every day, preferably at night.

Not everyone can take floss with them everywhere they travel. Even when you are in a hurry, there are some flossing alternatives that work well. You can purchase interdental brushes at the store. They are wire brushes with bristles that push their way between the teeth to give a deep down clean. There are also flossing picks available at the store that are perfect for travel.

If you are in a jam and simply have no way to floss, there are some alternative methods that are better than doing nothing at all.

• Chew sugar-free gum. This encourages saliva production which washes away the acids that produce decay.

• Rinse out the mouth after eating. This helps dislodge any materials stuck between the teeth.

Before you travel anywhere, especially if you are heading away for an extended period in a remote location, schedule an appointment with the dentist. This gives the team a chance to fix any minor issues they see with your teeth so they don’t become emergencies while you are away. A deep cleaning will give your trip a great start.

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to keep dental problems far away from you. It’s important that you make time to brush and floss as directed by your Virginia Beach family dentist. If you are unable to do this for a temporary time, have a backup plan in effect to ensure your teeth remain in good health.