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Summer vacation should be a relaxing experience. Whether you want to lounge by the pool, explore new places, or just enjoy time with your family, you should not have to worry about your teeth. Sadly, though, a dental emergency could arise at any time and in any place. What steps should you take if you find that your smile is suffering while you are away from home? Here are some practical tips:
Prepare Before You Leave
The best way to handle a dental emergency on vacation is to prevent it from happening in the first place! Here are some practical steps you can take before you leave:
- Visit your dentist for a checkup before your trip. A professional cleaning and examination can identify and address any hidden issues, such as cavities or loose fillings, which could become problematic later. If possible, get them treated before your vacation.
- Pack a dental emergency kit. Include items such as dental wax, temporary filling material, a small mirror, dental floss, and gauze.
- Review your traveler’s insurance. Your policy might cover care for dental emergencies while abroad. It might also have a list of trustworthy dentists in your destination area.
Seek Professional Help
If you experience a serious dental issue while traveling, such as a broken tooth, lost filling, or severe pain, seeking professional assistance should be your priority.
- Call your regular dentist for advice. They can offer guidance over the phone and help you assess the severity of the problem. They can also let you know whether you should seek a local dentist or if treatment can wait until you get home.
- If you are overseas or in a different city, use local resources. Hotel concierges, travel guides, or online directories can point you to reputable clinics.
- Keep a record of any treatment you receive and ask for copies of dental x-rays or notes to share with your regular dentist upon your return home.
Manage Your Pain and Control the Damage
While waiting for professional care, there are several steps you can take to relieve discomfort and prevent further harm:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater to clean the area and reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and ease pain.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers in appropriate doses.
- If you have a lost filling or crown, cover the area with dental wax or temporary cement until you can see a dentist.
- Make careful food choices. You may need to eat soft and mild foods until your oral health is back on track.
Hopefully, a dental emergency will not put a damper on your summer fun, but if it does, you should take fast action to protect your oral health so you can get back to feeling better ASAP.
Meet the Practice
At Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach, we are often able to offer same-day care for emergency patients. We combine our skills with state-of-the-art technology with the goal of providing treatment that is effective, conservative, and as comfortable as possible. Whether you are vacationing in our area, or you are a local who wants a checkup before your next vacation, we would be pleased to serve you. Contact us at 772-569-4424.