One way ticket abroad

A one-way ticket abroad? Here’s what you need to think about if you’re going to be living abroad for an extended period of time, because your oral health travels with you.

Do you remember the very first time you went to the dentist? We’ll give you a moment to think about it…. 3, 2, 1 – And? Your memory probably doesn’t go that far back since the average toddler goes to the dentist for the first time somewhere between their 2nd and 3rd year of life. Fortunately, dental care in the Netherlands is regulated to perfection. As common as this is for us as dutchies, it is not always as common abroad. These are the most important things you need to know when your single trip is booked and you are going to live abroad for a longer period of time.

Dive into your insurance policy conditions

Are you sure you can walk out of the dentist’s office in your flip-flops without a big bill? There are a number of insurers who will reimburse the costs of medically necessary dental care abroad via supplementary insurance. So… that’s a good idea to take a look at the conditions of your insurance policy.

Stock up on bluem products

If you are staying abroad for a longer period of time and the end of your stock of Bluem products is slowly approaching, there is no reason for stress. Ordering your faves online is always possible! Or check out the webpage for international distribution where our international partners or outlets are listed. Sometimes the solution is closer than you think….

Want to try a local toothpaste?

Still in need of immediate good oral care products? Check out the local products before you put them in your mouth. The absolute no-go’s on the market are, as far as we are concerned:

• Chemical toothpastes

There are many toothpastes that have an antibacterial effect due to the ingredients triclosan or chlorhexidine. These affect the oral flora by killing or inhibiting harmful bacteria. Works well, but so aggressive that even the good bacteria do not survive. These are exactly what you need to restore the balance in your mouth. We have already listed all the facts about chlorhexidine for you. When abroad, pay extra attention to what you brush with.

• Charcoal or activated carbon as toothpaste

Toothpaste with activated charcoal is appearing more and more often on the shelves of drugstores. It is sold as a bleaching agent: it would absorb stubborn stains and remove them from the tooth. Yet it is not as safe as it seems. For example, toothpaste with charcoal is often quite coarse. It is so abrasive that it can damage the gums. In addition, research from the University of Manchester Dental School shows that particles from the charcoal toothpaste can become entangled in the gums. These charcoal particles can also get into fillings.  

An international network of quality dentists

Last but not least, we have one more important item for your to-do list. At first glance, sometimes there seems to be nothing wrong with foreign dental practices. Still, you want to avoid having primitive or unhygienic means used in your well-groomed mouth. Therefore, always check where you are going to lie in the chair. Google is always at your fingertips, so are reviews and ratings. Or check the website of Slow dentistry, the fastest growing dental network in the world, with more than 200 certified clinics and practitioners in over 40 countries.

Not feeling well? contact your dentist at home

Already lying in the chair, but no okay feeling? Get up and leave! Maybe one of our products can help you, on our website you will find a number of must-have products under the heading ‘solutions for oral problems‘. Consult your dentist in the Netherlands with your complaints, make a plan together or book a return trip. You can also visit your family! 

So, you’ve gained a lot of information. Now all you need is a ticket. Ready, set… go!