As the school year starts winding down, families all across South Texas are starting to prepare for summer vacation. From hotel rooms to rental cars, extra clothes to finding the right pet-sitter, there’s plenty of planning that goes into creating the perfect vacation.
And while you try to prepare for every possible scenario when traveling, there’s one event that you might not have even considered.
A toothache or issue with braces can happen unexpectedly, stopping your family’s summer trip in its tracks and putting a damper on the rest of the summer. That’s why it’s important to know how to appropriately respond in the event of a dental emergency so you can take care of the problem and still enjoy your time away.
At Heroes Dental, our team of Rio Grande Valley dentists can answer all of your questions about dealing with a dental emergency while traveling, and also perform a thorough inspection on your family’s teeth before leaving on vacation. From a cracked tooth to a toothache, our family dentists will make sure you get the best and most painless treatment possible, so you can get back to enjoying your summer.
Below you will find a few of our favorite tips for dealing with a dental issue when traveling out of town.
How to Protect Your Teeth While Traveling
Being proactive is one of the best ways to ensure you don’t suffer a dental emergency while traveling.
First, it’s important to be aware of how your teeth are feeling before leaving on the trip. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, it might be a good idea to see your family dentist for a checkup. You should also let your dentist know you are traveling so that they can give you advice or provide you medications if you are dealing with a dental health issue.
If traveling abroad, make sure you check your dental insurance policy and see if it covers any overseas dental work. If yours doesn’t, you may be able to purchase additional insurance for the length of your travel.
Diet is also one of the most important factors in maintaining healthy teeth and gums while traveling. Everyone splurges a little while on vacation but eating an excessive amount of sugars can lead to cavities and other dental issues. Eating too many hard foods or candy can also increase your risk of cracking or chipping a tooth.
If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, try to avoid hot or cold foods and beverages during your stay as well.
You should also always make sure you travel with appropriate pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you are prone to a toothache.
Common Oral Emergencies While Traveling
Even the most prepared individuals can experience some form of dental emergency when they least expect it. Some of the most common emergencies and how to respond include:
Toothache – If a toothache is persistent, rinse with mouthwash and floss to ensure nothing is stuck between your teeth. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers to help manage the pain until you get home and visit your dentist.
Chipped or cracked tooth – Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to help with swelling and find a local dentist. If the tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown, rinse the roots clean, place it in a glass of milk, and get to a dentist as soon as possible.
Broken braces wires or damaged orthodontic gear – Avoid eating foods you know could cause damage to braces. If a wire does break, call your orthodontist and then see a local orthodontist.
Don’t forget to visit Heroes Dental this summer and before you leave on vacation.
The dentists at Heroes Dental are here to help you through any emergency – large or small. Whether you need a checkup before leaving town or an emergency dental procedure when you return, our team will provide you with the best care and results possible.
Contact any of our South Texas offices today to schedule an appointment.