Summer vacation is the perfect time to relax while enjoying new places and the food they have to offer. However, a dental emergency can quickly turn fun into frustration! Knowing how to handle unexpected dental emergencies while traveling can save your trip and keep you smiling. Here’s your guide to managing dental issues during your summer getaway.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Any tooth pain or damage depending on its severity can be a dental emergency, however, it can sometimes be difficult to determine. Simple tooth sensitivity that only lasts for a second or two isn’t normally cause for alarm, but it can be when combined with other symptoms.
Common Dental Emergencies and Treatments
The best thing to do when you’re on vacation is call your dentist and describe what you’re seeing and feeling. They may be able to give you guidance on what to do next over the phone. However, since you may be far from home, you’ll need to be able to manage until you can get treatment. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies and how to handle them temporarily:
Toothache
A toothache can range from mild annoyance to severe pain and can be caused by various issues such as cavities, infections, or injuries. Begin by performing your regular oral hygiene routine, brushing, flossing, and rinsing to clear out irritating food particles and bacteria. Next, use over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses to manage your discomfort.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Biting into something hard or stumbling into an object can lead to a chipped or broken tooth, which can be both painful and alarming. Rinse your mouth with warm water and inspect the area. If you have access to a pharmacy, some dental wax is a good way to cover the edges of the tooth. Otherwise, you can use sugar-free gum to keep your broken tooth from cutting your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
Knocked-Out Tooth
When your tooth has been knocked out, time is of the essence. Rinse the tooth off with cool water, but don’t use soap or scrub it. Next, try to put it back into the socket and close your mouth gently to keep it in place. If that isn’t possible, store the tooth in a container of milk. Try to find a dentist within 20 minutes of your location and get an emergency appointment. After 30 minutes to an hour, the odds of reimplanting your tooth go down dramatically.
With these tips, you can confidently handle any dental emergency that might come your way while on vacation. Preparation and quick action are key to ensuring a minor dental mishap doesn’t ruin your summer fun!
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice is a Texas dentist through and through. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School. Since then, he has been serving the community of San Antonio with excellent dental care, especially when they need it most. Call (210) 903-5565 to schedule an emergency appointment at Brice Dental or visit the website to dive into the full menu of services and treatments they offer.