You’re just about as prepared as you can be for your upcoming trip this holiday season. Your clothes are packed, your airplane ticket is reserved, and your hotel room is booked. Suddenly you develop a toothache while your overseas, and you realize that you’re not as prepared as you could have been. What should you do in that situation? An emergency dentist has the answers.
Handling Dental Common Dental Emergencies
No matter how prepared you are for your trip, emergencies can still strike. Until you can find a local dentist, here are some steps you can take during certain types of dental emergencies.
Toothache
If you’re flying, you’re likely to experience some degree of tooth pain because of the imbalance in the air pressure. Air can enter your teeth through a crack or cavity and then expand, causing pain. This discomfort should subside not long after you land. If it doesn’t, take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
This is an urgent situation that requires immediate medical attention. Gather the pieces of your tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to cut down on swelling. Then, find an emergency dentist.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Hold the tooth by its crown, not its pointed root. Gently rinse it off, but don’t remove any tissue fragments. Place the tooth back in its socket if you can. Otherwise, hold it in between your cheek and gums, or in a container of milk. You need to get to a dentist within the hour if you want a good chance of saving the tooth.
Finding a Dentist Abroad
Countries in Europe and Canada typically have the same dental standards as American dentists, so you should have no problem searching for one near you. If you got travel insurance for your trip, call your provider and ask for a referral to a dentist who is close and will accept your coverage. You could also ask the hotel concierge if they know any nearby dentists.
Preventing Dental Emergencies While Traveling
When it comes to dental problems, prevention is the best treatment. Practice the following precautions to minimize your chance of a dental emergency:
Get a Checkup
If you have a history of cavities and gum disease, visit your dentist before your trip, just in case. They can spot any potential problem areas and give you advice on how to handle your oral health overseas. You should also get any needed dental work, like a filling or root canal, taken care of before your trip.
Get Some Dental Insurance
Many insurance policies don’t provide coverage abroad. You may need to get an additional temporary plan for your trip.
Pack Supplies
Take some pain relievers like ibuprofen with you, especially if you’re prone to dental issues. Include plenty of toiletries like toothpaste, floss, and a toothbrush.
Mind Your Oral Habits
During your trip, avoid chewing on hard candies or ice cubes, as they could chip your teeth. If you’ve been dealing with sensitive teeth, stay away from hot or cold foods and beverages.
The only thing worse than a dental emergency is having one while traveling. Hopefully these tips should be enough to make sure your problem doesn’t turn into a disaster.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Sandberg has been practicing in Marlton, NJ for more than three decades, ever since he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine. In 2004, he earned a Mastership from the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. He was also a former president of the New Jersey Academy of General Dentistry. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency near Marlton, NJ, click here to visit Dr. Sandberg’s website.