Life is full of unexpected surprises, and sometimes they come in the form of a dental emergency! However, in these situations, the last thing you should want to do is panic—or let your injury disrupt your summer plans. Here’s everything you need to know about quickly and correctly handling dental emergencies that pop up during summer vacation, and why preventive care is the secret to avoiding these situations entirely!
Responding to Dental Emergencies While on Summer Vacation
While you can’t be prepared for any situation that unfolds, knowing how to handle a few common dental emergencies that may pop up on vacation goes a long way. Here’s a closer look:
Toothaches
If you’re traveling by air, there’s a chance you’ll experience some tooth pain due to air pressure imbalances. This type of toothache is common and should go away when you land. However, if things don’t improve and you continue to experience pain, you can rinse your mouth and use floss to dislodge anything stuck between your teeth. If matters still linger on, it may be a sign that your tooth is infected, in which case, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is the only true solution for relief.
Broken or Cracked Teeth
Breaking or cracking a tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate action. You should rinse your mouth and apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to address any swelling, and then find a nearby local dentist who offers same-day care. Cracked teeth will not heal on their own, and if an infection develops, the tooth could very well fall out.
Dislodged Tooth
If you find yourself dealing with a knocked-out tooth, don’t hesitate to take action. You should quickly locate the tooth if possible, only picking it up by its crown and never touching it by the root. You can gently rinse it off if it’s dirty, then ideally, store it in a glass of milk and see an emergency dentist within an hour, as the likelihood of saving the tooth begins to decrease after this point.
Preparing for Summer Vacation Dental Emergencies
One of the best tips for avoiding a dental emergency while on vacation is to be prepared—and this starts by ensuring you’re keeping up with your routine care. If you need to schedule a checkup before your trip, go ahead and do so; your provider will make sure your smile’s in great shape and at a lower risk of emergency prior to your departure. Likewise, keep up with your oral hygiene before, during, and after your trip—no matter how busy or tired you are!
It also doesn’t hurt to be familiar with your dental insurance plan and have that information on hand; if you do end up needing a local emergency dentist during your trip, you’ll want to be ready. Although these situations can be scary and a mood-killer, they don’t have to be long-term issues, nor do they have to detract from your summer vacation.
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Hussam Hamad and Dr. Akram Rafla, our team here at Sturbridge Dental has served the needs of patients and families in Sturbridge and the surrounding area for several years. We offer a wide range of services, including same-day emergency dentistry for patients with urgent needs. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 347-9336.