Whether you’re heading overseas or taking a road trip closer to home, packing for a holiday is always exciting. But while you’re busy curating the perfect travel wardrobe, it’s easy to forget about your smile.

Dental emergencies are the ultimate holiday buzzkill. To help you keep your teeth healthy and your trip on track, we’ve put together 5 tooth-savvy travel tips for your next adventure!

1. Take Your Own Supplies

Australia’s dental products are highly regulated, meaning what you buy off the shelf at home is guaranteed to meet high safety and quality standards. Buying your toothbrush, toothpaste, or floss overseas could mean you’re getting inferior quality items with abrasive ingredients or sub-par bristles that could do more harm than good. Stick to the brands you know and trust by packing them before you go.

2. Let Your Toothbrush Dry

Packing a wet toothbrush into a plastic travel case creates a dark, moist environment—aka the absolute perfect conditions for bacteria to grow. Yuck! Before you pack your bag, stand your toothbrush up or leave it resting on a piece of paper towel or tissue to dry completely. If you’re on the move quickly, a breathable mesh pouch is a much better option than a sealed plastic case.

3. Keep Your Dental Supplies in Your Carry-On

If you travel frequently, you know the sinking feeling of standing at the baggage carousel only to realize your suitcase didn’t make the flight. If your luggage goes missing, the last thing you want to do after a long flight is hunt down a pharmacy in a foreign city or navigate language barriers while jet-lagged. Keeping your brush, paste, and floss in your carry-on ensures you can freshen up anytime, anywhere.

4. Get a Pre-Trip Check-Up

There is nothing worse than a sudden, throbbing toothache when you’re thousands of kilometers away from home (or worse, mid-flight!). If it has been more than six months since your last dental visit, or if you have a nagging twinge you’ve been ignoring, book in for a check-up before you leave. Sorting out minor issues now reduces the risk of a dental emergency spoiling your fun later.

5. Stick to Your Routine

When you’re out of your normal routine, sleeping in, and distracted by having so much fun, brushing and flossing habits tend to fall by the wayside. It’s an easy trap to fall into! Try to commit just 5 minutes to a thorough brush and floss right before bed. While you’re at it, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated—especially after a day of flying or indulging in local holiday treats.

Ready to jet off? Hopefully, these small tips will help you stay on track with your dental health no matter where you are in the world. Safe travels and keep smiling!