Traveling is an exciting adventure, filled with new experiences and unforgettable memories. However, unexpected dental emergencies can quickly turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal.
And while we can’t prepare for every chipped tooth or bleeding gum, what we can do is arm ourselves with the knowledge we need to give us peace of mind if something does happen. So, if you’re traveling this summer, take a few minutes to learn what to do in case of a dental emergency.
Pack some dental care essentials
When you pack up your travel first aid kit, make some room and throw in a few dental emergency care items, too! These include cotton balls, disposable gloves and oral gel. While these items are not a substitute for professional care, they can temporarily alleviate pain and keep things under control.
To learn more about these and other dental emergency kit essentials, check out this blog post!
Schedule a Pre-Trip Dental Check-Up
Before embarking on your journey, schedule a visit to your dentist for a routine check-up. This visit will help identify and address potential dental issues that could become problematic during your trip. It's also a great opportunity to get your teeth cleaned and ensure your oral health is in top shape before you leave.
Know How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Being familiar with basic steps to manage dental emergencies can be invaluable:
- Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food. Avoid placing aspirin on the aching tooth or gums.
- Chipped/Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces. Apply gauze if there’s bleeding and a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Keep the tooth moist by placing it back in the socket if possible, or in milk. Seek dental assistance immediately.
- Lost Filling/Crown: Use temporary dental cement to reattach the crown or cover the exposed area.
Know where to go out of town
Before you travel, call your dentist’s office. Depending on your destination and what networks your dentist is a part of, they may have other locations across the country or other offices they can refer you to.
If you have dental insurance, you can also call the number on the back of your card and they will be able to guide you on where you may be able to seek dental care in case something urgent happens on your vacation. If you don’t have insurance, you still have options. You can enroll in a low-cost dental discount program before you go or check out this resource guide from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
What to do if traveling abroad
Preparing for international travel is obviously different than a domestic trip and seeking dental care is no exception. You should still seek advice from your dentist’s office and/or your insurance carrier, but since dental care and accessibility varies widely by location, you will want to keep some information handy. Here are some key contacts:
- Your travel insurance provider
- The hotel concierge
- Local dental clinics or hospitals
- The contact information for the American Embassy in the country you are visiting
Finally, check out this guide to safe dental care for travelers, for a more detailed breakdown of what to do in the event of a dental emergency.
The bottom line: When on the road, it is good to be prepared for anything, including a dental emergency. Pack some dental care essentials in your emergency kit. Make your regular check-up before you go to minimize risk. Use the time before your trip to do some homework: find out where other dental offices are and how you can get low-cost care if you don’t have insurance. If traveling abroad, have some important contact information at the ready just in case.
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