What should you do if a dental emergency happens on vacation? Travelling is exciting, but dental problems can happen at the worst times. A broken tooth, sudden pain, or lost filling can quickly turn your trip stressful. The first step is not to panic; dental emergencies are manageable if you know what actions to take. If you normally visit a dental office in Dacula, it’s helpful to ask them about emergency advice before leaving so you’re better prepared.
Why It’s Important to Stay Prepared Before You Travel?
Dental concerns don’t occur at the most “convenient” time. Having a small dental kit with some gauze, over-the-counter pain relievers, as well as the phone number of your regular dental office near you, can be a lifesaver. Knowing the phone number of a trusted dentist before travelling will also save you time looking for one in an emergency.
What Are the Most Common Dental Emergencies While Travelling?
Unexpected issues can vary, but some problems are more common when away from home. These include:
- Severe toothache that doesn’t go away
- Teeth that are cracked or chipped from accidents
- Teeth that get knocked out while playing sports or falling
- Crowns, bridges, or fillings that have come off
- Puffy gums or face caused by an infection.
Knowing these possibilities helps you respond quickly instead of feeling overwhelmed.
What Should You Do in a Dental Emergency?
Acting fast may help ease your pain and prevent things from getting worse until you get professional help. Here are some emergency dental tips:
- Toothache: Rinse your mouth out with warm salt water and take something for pain (like Advil or Tylenol).
- Knocked out tooth: Keeping the tooth moist is the most important thing. Try placing the tooth in either milk or your saliva and seeing an emergency dentist immediately.
- Chipped tooth: Grab the piece of your tooth that broke off, rinse your mouth out, and put some wax or gauze on any sharp edges if you have to, until you can see a dentist.
- Missing filling or crown: Put some dental cement on it temporarily from the pharmacy.
How Do You Find an Emergency Dentist Away from Home?
If the pain is unbearable, look up an emergency dentist near you through local search, or ask the hotel staff for local emergency dentist recommendations. Most areas will have after-hours emergency dental options. If you travel with insurance that covers dental issues, it will certainly reduce incidental costs.
What Are Smart Ways to Prevent Dental Emergencies While Traveling?
It is better to prevent than treat a dental emergency. Smart ways to avoid dental emergencies include:
- See a dentist before you go on your trip.
- Steer clear of hard foods like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels.
- Use a mouth guard when playing a sport or engaging in any adventurous activity.
- Pack an oral health kit with floss, fluoride toothpaste, and pain medication.
- Keep sipping water to make sure your mouth stays wet.
How Should You Care for Your Teeth During Vacation?
Do not let a hectic schedule impede the health of your teeth. Good dental care during vacation refers to brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing after eating. Much of the vacation food has sugary items and acidic drinks that increase your cavity risk. If you keep your teeth healthy, they will be strong and healthy when you return and even in a different location.
Want Expert Care During a Dental Emergency?
If you just got back from traveling and you want to make sure your oral health is ok, the caring team at Lanier Valley Dentistry would love to assist. Call us today to set up your appointment and keep your smile healthy for future travels!
FAQs
Should I see the dentist before going on a long trip?
Yes. Checkups can identify a small issue like a cavity or a weak filling that could become a problem while traveling.
Can flying make tooth pain worse?
Yes. Air pressure can aggravate pain from a cavity or infection. If you already have discomfort, it is best to get it checked before travel.
What do I do if my child has a dental emergency on vacation?
Stay calm. Use basic first-aid methods like rinsing the mouth and/or placing a knocked-out tooth in milk. Then find the nearest kids’ dentist emergency.
I can’t find a dentist. What should I do?
You can manage pain with temporary relief methods such as rinsing, cold compresses, and dental wax until you reach professional care.