Maybe you’ve been there before. Everything is going well
until a toothache starts to cause severe pain. Dental discomfort can
halt even the best-laid plans. One of the worst times for this to happen
is when you are traveling, especially if you are far away from home and
your trusted family dentist. At the Emergency Dental Service,
we are well-equipped to handle all of your immediate dental needs.
However, wouldn’t it be nice if you could avoid the need for a 24-hour
dentist altogether? Today, our team will discuss 5 ways to avoid dental
emergencies when traveling.
#1: Attend All Routine Dental Exams and Cleanings
One of the most effective treatments in preventative
dentistry is a routine teeth cleaning. During these visits, your dentist
and hygienist assess your teeth and gums in order to detect any
potential problems or issues. Receiving a cleaning every few months also
helps keep oral bacteria at bay, which reduces your risk for tooth
decay, gum disease, and other forms of dental damage. Be sure you are
attending all regular dental visits and consider scheduling a checkup
with you dentist if you plan to be out of town for an extended period of
time.
#2: Be Conscientious of the Foods You Eat
This is an important thing to consider all of the time, but
especially when you are on the road. One of the most helpful ways to
avoid dental emergencies when traveling is to stay away from excessively
hard and crunchy foods, such as popcorn, nuts, ice, and hard candy. It
is also important to avoid using your teeth as tools. Additionally, you
should never bite your fingernails or chew on pens and pencils. This
type of activity can damage the enamel and weaken the overall structure,
making your teeth more vulnerable to dental damage.
#3: Schedule Any Necessary Dental Work ahead of Time
One of the primary reasons that individuals experience
dental emergencies is that they fail to receive proper dental care
before they leave on their trip. For example, if you need to have a
cavity filled or a crown placed, it is important to schedule an
appointment right away. Be sure to give yourself plenty of healing time
before your trip, so that any potential issues can be addressed
proactively.
#4: Invest in an Emergency Dental Kit
Let’s face it. Emergencies can still happen, even if we do
all the right things. It is always an excellent idea to gather a few
items just in case you experience a dental emergency situation. Some of
the most useful supplies include:
- An oral analgesic, such as Anbelsol® or Orajel™
- Pain relievers, such as Advil, Aleve, or Tylenol
- Over-the-counter dental cement, which can be found in the oral hygiene aisle at the drugstore
- Gauze packs
- A cold compress
#5: Practice Good Oral Hygiene
To avoid dental emergencies when traveling, be sure to
continue a comprehensive oral health regimen. This can be tricky when
you’re on the road. However, simple things like brushing twice a day,
flossing once a day, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can
significantly reduce your risk for dental issues such as gum disease and
decay.
Emergency Dental Service is Here for You
Life isn’t perfect. Sometimes emergencies happen anyway. Knowing where to turn can alleviate any anxiety and worry associated with these scenarios. If you experience a dental emergency when traveling, visit our website or call 1-888-350-1340. Our knowledgeable support team can help you locate an emergency dentist near you, wherever your travels may take you.
