RALEIGH -- With summer in full swing, you may be anxiously planning that family vacation. And while we know to pack the clothes and the sunscreen, experts say your dental healthy also needs to be at the forefront of your mind.

Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair spoke with Dr. Alec Parker, executive director of the North Carolina Dental Society, for a look at ways to keep a smile while traveling on vacation.

Parker says it’s important have our teeth checked out by a dentist before we go on vacation. He says that will help them determine any pre-existing conditions we may have that could cause discomfort while we’re away. But planning ahead and taking matters into our own hands, will also help us keep our teeth in tip top summer shape.

The North Carolina Dental Society offers the following five suggestions to help do just that:

1.    Drink plenty of water while on the go. They say stay hydrated will help alleviate dry mouth throughout the day, and also help wash away food particles left over from eating and snacking.

2.    Pack an emergency kit with travel size dental essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash. And make sure you put any liquids in a small plastic bag so that your items aren’t confiscated while traveling on a plane.

3.    Don’t forget to floss your teeth. Dentists say being away from home is no excuse to skip out on this important daily ritual. They say it doesn’t matter when you floss, but consistency and technique are key.

4.    Eat healthy snacks and skip out on junk food like sugar, popcorn, and chips. They urge us to instead choose better teeth friendly items like nuts, carrots and apples. They will help remove bacteria while still monitoring our sugar levels.

5.    Chew sugar-free gum. Dentists say gum not only produces saliva, but it also helps to neutralize acids and minimize the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in our mouths. But instead of grabbing for the bad stuff, choose a sugar-free pack to store in our bag while on the go at home.

If you would like to learn more about the North Carolina Dental Society, visit their website. You can also click here for more information about nutrition and the best way to take care of your teeth.