Do you have any exciting trips planned for this summer? Maybe you’re going to visit your relatives a few states away, or perhaps you have an international trip on the books. Hopefully, your adventure goes off without a hitch! Unfortunately, though, there is a possibility that you will encounter a dental emergency while you’re far from home. What should you do in such a situation? Follow these tips from an experienced emergency dentist:
Prepare in Advance
Before your trip, you should:
- Save your dentist’s contact information. Even if your dentist of choice is hundreds or thousands of miles away, you may still be able to call them and ask for their advice.
- Know where your oral heath stands. Getting a checkup before your trip can alert you to any oral health issues that might cause problems for you in the near future. You might even have time before you leave to get such issues taken care of.
- Get to know your destination. If you are traveling outside of the U.S., learn how you can find a reliable dentist close to your destination. Also, do a quick online search to find a pharmacy close to your hotel in case you need to pick up any first-aid supplies.
- Look into insurance. If you are traveling abroad, you may need to purchase a special policy to cover you while you’re out of the country.
Care for Your Mouth
Before you get to a dentist, you might have to do a little self-care to manage your pain and mitigate the damage to your oral health.
- Take pain medication. Over the counter painkillers should take the edge off your pain. However, be sure you don’t apply them directly to your gums because doing so could cause chemical burns.
- Avoid chewing with the affected tooth. You don’t want to expose your tooth to anything that might cause further damage.
- Collect any lost restorations or teeth. If a tooth gets knocked out of your mouth, an emergency dentist might be able to reattach it if you receive care within an hour or two. The best thing to do is place the tooth in a container of milk and get to the dentist. If you lost a crown, you might be able to temporarily reattach it with a dab of toothpaste or dental adhesive until you can see a dentist.
Follow Up at Home
Even if you are happy with the dental care you received while you were away from home, you should still follow up with your regular dentist. You may still need treatment before your mouth is back to feeling and functioning at its best.
Don’t let a dental emergency spoil your next trip! Use the above tips to prepare for and manage any urgent oral health situations that any arise while you are on the road.
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Griffith is an accomplished general dentist in Prestonsburg, KY. He focuses on providing a comfortable experience for all of his patients, and he is often able to provide same-day care for those who are facing a dental emergency. To learn more about Dr. Griffith and his services, contact Brookside Dental Care at 606-874-9311.