Do you have a camping trip coming up this summer? Or maybe just a day trip planned for canoeing or hiking? No matter how you spend your free time, our Waukesha dentist and staff reminds you to remember your oral health. When you are out in the wilderness, it is advised to disrupt the environment as little as possible. However, ‘leave no trace’ pertains not only to the environment but to your teeth as well; especially when you are away from your normal oral hygiene routine.

What does leave no trace mean?

The practice of leaving no trace behind protects the environment. When on a multi-day camping trip, it might seem like a great idea to jump into a fresh water source to erase the day of dust and grime away. However, what you are really doing is polluting the waters with bug spray and sunscreen or worse soap and shampoo if you are aiming for total cleanliness. Introducing these items into an environment will kill off the fauna and animals that rely on a clean water source. Instead, carry a bucket of water about 70 or 80 paces away from the water’s edge. Clean off using this water and then have a dip in the pond or stream once you are clean.

Clean teeth and camping aren’t difficult either. Since plaque can form on your teeth in as little as 4 hours, keeping up with your oral hygiene is a must. Carry a small, travel toothbrush in your pocket and a bit of toothpaste. Following the leave no trace rule, don’t spit in the water. Some suggest simply using water just to brush away the furry mouth feel. Other suggestions are to spit as if you were a sprinkler so as to disperse your waste.

Travel tips for the minimalist

If your trip requires packing as light as possible, a bit of floss from our Waukesha dentist and a few travel tricks will keep your pack light.

Use precut floss if you are saving space
Make toothpaste tabs ahead of time
Carry biodegradable baby wipes
Use biodegradable soap for laundry

What can you do to protect the environment?

There are a number of resources and groups that work diligently to protect our environment. Take the time to reach out to any of these people to learn more about how you can help. Even a quick lesson or two if you are new to camping will help you reduce your carbon footprint. You can also address best practices for hygiene and your oral health while in the outdoors.

To have an enjoyable camping trip this year, it won’t take more than a little preparation. Schedule any Waukesha dentist appointments or doctor visits before your trip so that you are assured you are in good health. For additional oral health tips, we welcome you to schedule a consultation or visit our Facebook page.