Utmost preparation is crucial when traveling. In most cases, you have to be ready for even the most impossible things that can occur, such as sudden tooth loss while you’re swimming in the Bahamas. Dealing with a broken tooth is such a stressful situation to be in, particularly if you are a thousand miles away from your trusted dentist.
But don’t worry. Many dental circumstances don’t require immediate attention. Here’s what you need to do if a sudden dental emergency takes place while you’re on vacation.
Handling Dental Emergency on Vacation
Truth be told, no matter how prepared you are for your trip, no one can adequately prepare for dental emergencies. But it does help if you do your research before your trip and find out the best ways to respond to personal emergencies. Besides finding a local dentist, consider the following actions when responding to a dental emergency.
Severe Tooth Pain
You will most likely experience tooth pain while on a plane because of the imbalances in the air pressure. A toothache could occur when the air finds its way into your teeth through an existing crack, spaces in your filling, or cavity. This tooth pain is pretty common, and it should go away on its own once the plane lands.
However, clean your mouth if your toothache does not go away even after you land. Make sure to use a mouth rinse, and floss your teeth to dislodge any stuck in them. Painkillers can help in reducing the pain, but if it stays for too long and the pain is becoming unbearable, you might need to visit a local dentist’s office in the meantime for prescribed medication.
Dislodged Tooth
Some situations or activities can accidentally knock out a tooth. If this is the case, here’s what you need to do:
- Gently hold the tooth by its crown.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it with water, but avoid touching the tissue fragments.
- As much as possible, hold the tooth in its socket. But if not, place the tooth in a cup of milk while you’re on your way to see a dentist.
- Keep in mind that a quick response is crucial. The longer you leave the tooth unattached to its socket, the lesser your chance will be to have it saved.
Cracked and Broken Tooth
A broken or cracked tooth is considered a dental emergency that needs immediate attention. When this happens, rinse your mouth and place a cold compress on your cheek, right above the broken tooth. And since this is a dental emergency, you might need to visit a doctor right away.
Finding a Dentist in Unfamiliar Place
No matter where you are, there will always be a certified dentist near you who can help solve your dental problem. The good thing is that nations in Europe have equivalent dental capabilities and standards as Canada and the U.S., so finding a dentist should not be a problem.
However, if you have travel insurance, try to call your provider first to ask if they can refer a clinic near your location. You may also ask for referrals from the hotel you’re staying in or the cab driver that picked you up from the airport.
Dental Emergency Preparation Tips
Like any other kind of emergency, being prepared for dental health situations is crucial in ensuring you get the best type of treatment. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
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Visit your trusted dentist before you leave.
If you have a long history of cavities or gum disease, set a professional dental cleaning appointment with your dentist. It would also be wiser to let your doctor know about your upcoming trip so the dentist can check any signs of dental health issues. He can also give you tips on how you should respond to dental emergencies.
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Get dental insurance.
A dental insurance policy can be a lifesaver. Yes, even though you feel perfectly fine and healthy before your trip. Besides, many insurance policies do not cover incidents that take place abroad. A temporary plan is a great way to protect yourself while you’re away.
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Be prepared.
Always bring your hygiene kit. Doing so ensures that you practice good oral hygiene no matter where you are in the world. Don’t forget to bring some painkillers.
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Mind your die.
You can reduce the likelihood of dental emergencies by being mindful of your diet and oral habits. For instance, stay away from hard candies and foods that may cause a tooth crack.
Traveling or not, a dental emergency is a daunting experience. Good oral hygiene, healthy habits, and regular visits to the dentist are vital in keeping your teeth in good condition. With planning, you can avoid disastrous dental problems, so make sure to stay in touch with your doctor so that they can monitor your health.
