Dealing with Dental Emergencies While Traveling During the Summer

Summer is here again, and plenty of people are looking forward to taking a vacation from work. However, it’s important to remember that dental emergencies can strike at any time – even while you’re traveling. To keep your smile safe, you need to have a plan for any urgent dental issues that might come up while you’re away from home. Below is a brief guide for dealing with dental emergencies during your summer vacation.

Find a Local Dentist as Soon as You Arrive

When time is of the essence, it’s important to already know who you can call when you’re in severe dental pain. Take the time to research dentists in the area where you will be staying. Try to find a practice that will accept your dental insurance plan. (If you’re heading overseas, it may be a good idea to invest in travel insurance.)

If you do end up needing to see a local emergency dentist, be sure to inform them who your primary dentist is. That way they can get any records they might need to make the best possible recommendations for your care.

Know How to Deal with Common Dental Emergencies

When a dental emergency happens, the way you initially deal with it matters. Here’s an overview of the best steps to take in the face of a few particularly common urgent dental issues:

• Toothaches: Floss and rinse to get rid of any food that’s stuck between your teeth. If the pain doesn’t go away, call a dentist. Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce your discomfort.
• Broken or Cracked Tooth: Rinse out your mouth with water, and use a cold compress to keep any swelling down. Try to see a dentist as soon as you can. Do not bite or chew with the tooth in question until it has been properly treated.
• Dislodged Tooth: Pick up the tooth by the crown, rinse off any dirt, and put it back in its socket if possible. (You can also preserve it by storing it in milk.) You should see a dentist within the hour to maximize your chances of saving the tooth.

Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies Ahead of Time

You can’t predict when dental emergencies will happen, but you can prepare for them in a variety of ways:

• See your dentist for a checkup before leaving on your trip. They can check for problems that you will need to keep an eye on.
• Bring everything you need to take care of your mouth while away from home, including toothpaste, your toothbrush, and dental floss.
• Avoid bad habits that might lead to a dental emergency, such as chewing on your fingernails or overindulging on sugary snacks.

About the Author

Dr. Michael Putt attended Tufts Dental School and completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency while in the army. When it comes to dental emergencies, he always tries to see his patients as soon as he can in order to put a stop to their pain. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Putt at Wayland Dental, visit his website or call (508) 651-0500.