If you’re planning a trip, the last thing on your mind is probably emergency dental services. It will quickly become a top priority, however, if you suffer from a painful toothache or lose a crown on vacation. Knowing what to do and where to go for help during a dental emergency, while not in your hometown can save you a great deal of anxiety in an already stressful situation.
Here are some helpful oral tips during travel:
Prevent Foreseeable Issues
You can prevent most dental emergencies by visiting your local dentist before you depart. Your dentist will perform an examination and give recommendations prior to your departure if issues are present, such as erupting wisdom teeth or a serious cavity. Plan your checkup well enough in advance that you have time to return for treatment before your vacation. Keep in mind that the pressure changes while in an airplane can cause tooth pain if you recently received treatment such as a root canal or large filling.
Maintain Good Hygiene if an Issue Presents
If you experience a toothache or a broken tooth, rinse out your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area. For a toothache, try flossing or cleaning your teeth to make sure the pain is not coming from lodged food debris. If you notice swelling, use an ice pack or cold compress to control the inflammation. Do not put a painkiller against the gums for a toothache, as it can burn your gum tissues. Finally, contact a dentist in the area in which you are traveling to be seen as soon as possible.
Put a Lost Tooth in Milk
Losing a tooth on vacation can be a serious emergency – but there is a solution. If you suffer trauma to the mouth resulting in a dislodged tooth, hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it under water briefly (if dirty). Be careful to leave any attached tissues on the tooth. Put the tooth in a cup of milk to preserve its survival rate. See a dentist as soon as possible. A dentist should be able to re-implant the lost tooth if you bring it in within one hour.
If a tooth is permanently lost, do not panic. There are several options for treatment once you return home. Dental Implants are one of the best options for replacing a missing tooth and restoring your smile.
Find an Emergency Dental Care Provider
Before you leave on your trip, research dentists in the area where you will be staying. This can help you prepare for the worst while you have the time and resources to conduct research. If it is too late for this option, conduct a Google search or look through travel advisories for information about local health care. If you purchased travel insurance, call the phone number and request a referral for a dentist near you. Hotel concierges may also know of reliable dentists in the area.
Following these tips in the case of a vacation dental emergency can help ensure you have a pleasant trip and don’t miss out on any of the fun.
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
