After months of anticipation, planning, making reservations, and saving up PTO, your long-awaited summer vacation has finally arrived! Whether you’re traveling nearby or to a distant destination, the last thing you want to encounter while taking time to recharge is a dental emergency. Unfortunately, emergencies can strike when we least expect them. If you ever find yourself facing a dental emergency during your summer vacation, read on to learn what steps you should take.
What to Do If You Have a Dental Injury on Vacation
When faced with a dental emergency during your vacation, the first step is to assess the damage. For minor toothaches, you can try flossing, rinsing with warm water and salt, and taking over-the-counter pain medicine to manage discomfort until you return home.
However, if the dental emergency requires immediate treatment, such as a knocked-out tooth or a loose restoration, it’s crucial to contact a local dentist as soon as possible. If you’re staying at a hotel with a concierge service, they may be able to provide recommendations. Otherwise, you can simply search online for “dentist near me” to find nearby dental care options.
If All Else Fails, Visit an Emergency Room
What should you do if you are in a foreign country, unable to find an available dentist’s office, or experiencing potentially life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swallowing, or a fractured jaw? If this ever happens to you, be sure to head straight to the nearest emergency room.
While they may not have a dentist on staff, they can provide immediate medical attention to address your discomfort and ensure your well-being. Remember that your oral health is directly linked to your overall health, so it’s essential not to delay seeking help for dental pain or emergencies any longer than necessary.
4 Tips to Avoid Dental Injuries in the Future
To minimize the risk of a dental emergency during your vacation, consider the following tips:
- Schedule a checkup – Do so before your trip to ensure there are no underlying oral health issues.
- Pack all your oral hygiene tools – This includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Maintain your dental care routine – Be sure to continue to brush twice daily and floss nightly while on vacation.
- Avoid unhealthy habits – This includes things like smoking, excessive sugar consumption, heavy alcohol consumption, and using your teeth as tools.
Dental emergencies can be disruptive to your vacation plans. However, by following the above tips, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering such situations and fully enjoy your vacation!
About the Practice
Covina Family Dental is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to help you maintain a healthy, happy, and lifelike smile. They offer dental checkups and cleanings to prevent oral health issues and provide a range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments. Additionally, they can guide you on how to handle a dental emergency while you are on vacation. To schedule an appointment with Covina Family Dental or to learn more about their emergency dental services, please call their office at (626) 331-0688 or visit their website.