When Your Tooth Breaks during Summer Break: Handling a Dental Emergency on Vacation

Even if you’ve been looking forward to and preparing for your summer getaway all year, a dental emergency can still strike at the worst possible moment and ruin your good time. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for a dental emergency and know where to get help even if you’re on vacation. Here are a few tips from your dentist on how to prevent, prepare for, and manage dental emergencies when you’re headed out of town for business or pleasure.

Prevention Is Better than the Cure

The best way to deal with dental emergencies is to prevent them from happening in the first place. The best ways to do this include seeing your dentist regularly, avoiding excessive sugar and acid intake, and practicing excellent oral hygiene at home and on vacation. It’s also a great idea to schedule your routine dentist’s appointment a few weeks before you leave so your provider can address any issues before they have the chance to ruin your trip.

If you intend to enjoy a few beverages on vacation, remember that you should never open a bottle or package with your teeth. You can avoid painful and costly dental emergencies by investing in an inexpensive bottle opener keychain at a gas station or gift shop.

Be Prepared!

Dental emergencies can sometimes strike even if you have the best preventive measures in place, so it’s always important to be prepared. If you’re going on an adventure vacation such as hiking or mountain biking, it’s a great idea to stock up on tooth preservation kits before you leave. These treatments can keep a dislodged tooth in savable condition for up to twenty-four hours and are available at many pharmacies.

Before you leave for your vacation, look up emergency dentists at your location ahead of time. You may want to ask your dentist at home if they can recommend anybody. This way, the two dentists can set up a line of communication so they can exchange information if you experience a dental emergency. You’ll know exactly who to turn to and what number to call if the unexpected happens to your smile.

While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to see a dental emergency coming, taking preventive measures and knowing where to go if one happens can save you a lot of money and discomfort. Knowing that you’re prepared for the unexpected can also give you a lot of peace of mind while you’re relaxing on the beach.

About the Author

Dr. Xinxing Liu earned her dental degree at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and stays up to date with developments in her field by regularly completing continuing education courses. She sincerely enjoys bringing a personalized touch to her patient’s dental care and helping them to live healthier and more comfortable lives. Her office in Dallas, TX, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule an appointment before your upcoming vacation, contact her office online or dial (469) 210-7223.