You’re probably looking forward to getting away from it all during your big summer trip – but unfortunately, one thing you can never get away from is the possibility of a dental emergency. Toothaches and other oral health issues can strike at any time, and you should always have a plan for dealing with them. Here are some tips for preparing for possible dental emergencies during your summer vacation.
1. Take Steps to Stop Emergencies from Happening in the First Place
The easiest way to deal with a dental emergency is to stop it from happening altogether. Before you leave on your trip, make time to visit your dentist. They can check for signs of any dental problems that may be developing and treat them before they can turn into truly urgent problems.
Additionally, you should make sure that you’re giving your mouth the care it needs even while you’re away from home. Remember to pack a toothbrush and a travel-sized tube of toothpaste as well as mouthwash and dental floss.
2. Plan Ahead for the Worst-Case Scenario
If a dental emergency does occur during your summer vacation, it’s important to make sure that you can get the care you need as soon as possible. As such, one of the first things you should do upon arriving at your destination is look up nearby dentists who offer emergency treatments. That way, you’ll already have an idea of who you need to call when your mouth is in pain.
Keep in mind that your regular dental insurance may not cover overseas treatments. As such, it may be a wise idea to invest in travel insurance that can help pay for any medical or dental care that you might require.
3. Know Basic First Aid for Common Dental Emergencies
It always helps to know how to manage a dental issue on your own before you can get to a dentist. Be sure to familiarize yourself with methods for dealing with common dental emergencies. Here are a few examples:
- For toothaches, you can take an over-the-counter painkiller to reduce your discomfort. You can also floss around the tooth to dislodge any food that might have gotten caught in your smile.
- For broken or cracked teeth, rinse your mouth gently with water, then hold a cold compress over any swollen areas.
- For a tooth that has been knocked out, pick it up by the end used for chewing and rinse off any debris. Try to put the tooth back in its socket if you can, or place it in a container filled with milk or saline solution. Remember, the odds of saving the tooth will be much better if you can see a dentist within 30 minutes.
Taking the right precautions can make all the difference when it comes to dental emergencies. Make sure that you’ve done everything you can to prepare before leaving on your big summer excursion!
About the Author
Dr. Dan Greenwood has been providing excellent dental care to Sagamore Hills patients at Greenwood Dental since 1998. He is a proud member of the Ohio Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Cleveland Dental Society. If you have a dental emergency, he’ll work to help you find relief as quickly as possible. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenwood, visit his website or call (330) 467-2522.