The Red-Eye Travel Mistake That's Tough On Your Teeth And Gums

Most travelers boarding a red-eye are focused on getting some sleep on the plane , avoiding jet lag , and figuring out how to freshen up before landing and hitting the ground running in your destination.

Maybe you packed a travel toothbrush and mini tube of toothpaste in your carry-on. Or, if you're lucky, you're in a first-class seat that came with a hygiene kit that includes a dental kit.

But according to New Jersey-based oral surgeon Dr. Jason Auerbach , better known to his social media followers as @bloodytoothguy, the biggest threat to your oral health at about 35,000 feet isn't the fact that you might go a night without brushing your teeth.

"The biggest threat to your teeth on an overnight flight is dehydration, not skipping brushing," Auerbach says.

The culprit is the cabin environment itself. Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, with humidity levels often far lower than what most people experience on the ground, Auerbach explains. That lack of moisture can leave travelers waking up with parched mouths after just a few hours of sleep.

Why is Staying Hydrated During a Flight Important for Oral Hygiene?

While saliva may not get much attention in conversations about oral hygiene, it's one of the body's most important defenses against dental problems.

"Your saliva is one of the most important defenses you have against tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath," Auerbach explains. "It neutralizes acids, washes away bacteria, and helps maintain a healthy balance in the oral cavity."

When travelers become dehydrated during long-haul or overnight flights, saliva production slows down. That can create conditions that allow bacteria to thrive and increase the likelihood of dry mouth, bad breath, and other oral health issues.

"When you're dehydrated, you produce less saliva, and that's when problems start," he says.

The effects can be compounded by common travel habits. Many passengers rely on coffee to stay awake before boarding and enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail during the flight. Unfortunately, those beverages can contribute to dehydration.

Auerbach points out that travelers often focus on packing the right oral care products while overlooking the role hydration plays in protecting their teeth and gums.

"People spend a lot of time thinking about what toothpaste to use or what mouthwash to pack instead of considering the effects of crossing the Atlantic on three cups of coffee, two glasses of wine, and almost no water," he says.

Try This Hydration Strategy on Your Next Overnight Flight

For frequent flyers, Auerbach recommends thinking about water as part of an oral hygiene routine, not just a travel wellness tip.

"If I could give travelers one piece of advice, it would be this: Treat hydration as part of your oral hygiene routine," he says. "The water bottle is doing a lot more work than most people realize."

His personal strategy on long-haul flights is to hydrate before boarding, continue drinking water throughout the flight, and rehydrate after waking up.

"Of course, brushing before you try to sleep and again after you land is ideal," Auerbach says. "But if there's one thing travelers consistently underestimate, it's the impact dehydration has on their oral health."

Of course, oral hygiene is just one piece of the hydration puzzle. Staying hydrated during a flight can help support your overall well-being, too.

When you don't drink enough water, dehydration can trigger a range of symptoms that can make travel more uncomfortable, from fatigue and headaches to dizziness, according to the American Heart Association. Proper hydration also helps your heart pump blood more efficiently throughout the body, which is one reason experts recommend making water a priority before, during, and after a flight.

More Dental Hygiene Trips For Travelers

Here are some more dental hygiene tips while you travel, according to the American Dental Association :

Chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva and ease ear pressure

A stick of sugar-free gum can do double duty while traveling. Chewing gum during takeoff and landing may help relieve uncomfortable ear pressure changes, and it can also support oral health by stimulating saliva production. The extra saliva helps rinse away food particles and bacteria that can contribute to cavities, making gum a useful addition to your travel routine.

Store your toothbrush the smart way

Your toothbrush doesn't need to be perfectly dry while you're traveling, but it should stay clean. The ADA recommends keeping your toothbrush separate from other items in your luggage to avoid contamination. A resealable plastic bag can help protect the bristles during transit. Once you arrive at your destination, remove the brush from the bag and allow it to air dry.

When in doubt, brush with bottled water

If you're visiting a destination where tap water safety is uncertain, use bottled water to brush your teeth. This is especially important when traveling internationally or spending time in remote outdoor areas where water quality may be questionable. If your toothbrush comes into contact with unsafe water, replacing it is the safest option. If that's not possible, rinse it thoroughly with bottled water before using it again.

Of course, the travel toothbrush still deserves a spot in your carry-on. Just don't forget to fill up your water bottle after security and before you board so that you can stay hydrated on your flight.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com