With a little preparation and prior planning, air-travel with dentures can, and should be, stress free. In this article we outline the things you need to consider so you can enjoy your travel. We discuss what happens if you set off the security scan, how to manage denture hygiene while in the air, how to avoid inconvenient breakages or loss and how to deal with them should the unthinkable happen. We also recommend a consultation with your oral health providers before you embark to eliminate any underlying issues that may be brewing. Prevention is always better than cure.
Table of contents
Before the flight
Consulting your prosthetist before you leave is simply good sense. They will check for any underlying issues that may not be apparent now, but which could be a problem while you’re away. Ill-fitting dentures are not only uncomfortable but more at risk of loss or breakage. Stable dentures that fit snugly however, not only bode well for your comfort and peace of mind but are less likely to dislodge in the event of an accidental fall or during physical activities. Schedule your check-up at least two weeks before travel. This gives enough time for any adjustments and ensures you're completely comfortable with any changes before you fly.
Being prepared
Researching your travel destination for where to go should you break or lose your denture is worthwhile. You may also consider:
- Apps for finding dental services in your destination city in case of an emergency
- Digital copies of dental records
- Translation apps for foreign speaking countries
- Ask your prosthetist about an emergency repair kit compatible with the composition of your denture, in case you need to do your own repairs to tide you over until you return home.
- Make sure your travel health insurance policy covers denture breakage or loss.
- Even if you don’t normally use denture adhesive, you may find it useful to have in humid climates or extreme altitude changes.
- Avoid storing dentures in direct sunlight where they may warp.
- Use a protective case in extreme temperatures
Packing essentials: your denture travel kit
Having a dedicated kit for denture care and storage will ensure your dental hygiene and comfort will continue just as if you were at home. The essentials in your travel pack will be the same things you use at home but in compact amounts to fit into a clear resealable bag to take in your carry-on luggage. Having small amounts of denture supplies in clear resealable bags serves three purposes. Firstly, it allows efficient passage through airport security. Secondly, you may need to clean or freshen your denture during the flight, and thirdly, if in the unhappy event your luggage goes astray, you will still have the means to look after your oral hygiene.
Included in the bag will be:
- Travel-sized cleaning solution in clear, airline regulation-sized container. This can be refilled when you reach your destination for future flights. Check with your airline before you leave home for admissible liquids guidelines.
- Soft-bristled travel toothbrush, preferably in a protective case.
- Denture cleaning tablets. Most accommodation places provide a tumbler in the bathroom you can soak your denture in
- Compact denture case with secure closure
- One or two small soft cloths for handling and putting in the bottom of the basin in case you drop your denture when cleaning. Microfibre cloths are perfect for their quick drying ability.
- Spare denture adhesive
- Small portable water pump spray for quick rinses
- Compact mirror for discreet checks
- A spare denture if you have one
- Compact ultrasonic cleaning pod
What to do if you trigger an airport security alarm
Depending on the materials from which your denture is made, the security scanner may be triggered when you go through airport security. Don’t be concerned. Security staff are used to this happening and may choose to scan you manually. At best you will encounter a minor delay. If you are asked to remove your denture, it is wise to have a soft cloth pouch or denture case handy to receive the denture since you will be required to put it in the scanner tray.
During the flight
We’re all familiar with the frustrating queues for the bathroom on long flights. However, air travel can be dehydrating so frequent sips of water will help with your dry mouth. A discreet spritz with your spray bottle can freshen your denture after eating and save waiting in the queue for the bathroom.
Foreign cuisines and your dentures
A little research on the culture of your destination should include what types of denture-friendly foods will be available. When traveling in Asia, be cautious with foods like uncooked vegetables and hard nuts often found in traditional dishes. In Mediterranean countries, watch for unexpected olive pits in salads and tapas. In South America, corn kernels in traditional dishes can be particularly hard. Always ask about food texture when trying local specialties, and don't hesitate to cut items into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Planned activities
It goes without saying that if you’re into extreme sports or any physical activities during your time away and you wear dentures, you would be wise to plan ahead. White water rafting, bungee jumping, motor bike riding, even diving can be disastrous for high impact knocks or denture loss. Before you fly out enquire about mouthguards designed especially for denture wearers which provide added protection from loss or breakage. They allow extra space to comfortably accommodate your denture. Alternatively, even if you don’t usually use it, a good quality denture adhesive compatible with the composition materials of your denture, can give you added security during physical activities.
Partying emergencies
If partying is on your agenda, be aware that overindulging may find you face down over a toilet bowl, putting your denture in extreme jeopardy. Ask any dental prosthetist and they will tell you how common it is while vomiting for people to lose their dentures down the toilet or break their dentures against the bowl. Try to remember to remove your dentures if you are feeling green around the gills. Having a spare denture can be gold in this situation. If you wear a partial denture and it is not as secure as you would like, consider leaving it in your accommodation for the night.
A final word on flying with dentures
Flying with dentures should, and can, be easy. With a little forward planning and some useful tips on how to ensure your travels are denture problem free, you can fly with confidence. In this article we discussed measures to consider for smoothing your way before and during your trip to avoid denture loss or breakage and maximise your comfort so you can concentrate on making wonderful travel memories.
Disclaimer – Always consult your oral health professional for expert advice about your unique personal situation. The information given here is of a general nature and for the purpose of education only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your oral health specialist
Northern Rivers Denture Clinic is located in the heart of Tweed Heads, southern Gold Coast. Finally have the smile you deserve with handcrafted, quality dentures.
