When far away from home, there are a few things you don’t want to happen, like realizing you forgot to pack your phone charger, having your baggage lost at the airport, or, possibly the worst, sustaining a dental emergency. Whether it’s a relatively minor toothache or a completely knocked-out tooth, dental injuries can send you into a state of sheer panic. To prevent that from happening, keep reading to learn what to do next.
So, What Should You Do If You Have a Dental Emergency Overseas?
If you sustain a dental emergency abroad, do your best not to panic. Instead, take a deep breath and:
- Assess the urgency – While all dental injuries require treatment, some are more urgent than others. For example, a chipped tooth that isn’t causing you any discomfort can wait a day or two. An abscess or lost dental crown, on the other hand, necessitates more immediate attention.
- Try a few at-home remedies – Even away from home, there are some methods you can try to ease your discomfort. Flossing around a problematic tooth, rinsing with a mixture of salt and warm water, and placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek are a few remedies to consider.
- Find a skilled emergency dentist close by – While the methods mentioned in the previous section are helpful, they are band-aid solutions. The only way to get the root of the problem treated is by visiting a dentist. If you are staying in a hotel, consider asking the concierge if they have any recommendations for you. Otherwise, you can look through your Google search results or head to the nearest ER if it’s something more urgent. (Although hospitals rarely have dentists on-staff, they can manage your pain in the meantime).
7 Tips for Preventing a Dental Emergency While Traveling
If you are reading this blog before you’ve left, then you have time to prepare. Here are a few ways to significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a dental emergency:
- Go in for a dental checkup before you leave.
- Pack all of your dental hygiene necessities, like your toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash.
- Keep some dental emergency essentials on hand, like ibuprofen and gauze.
- Avoid unhealthy habits, like smoking and using your teeth as tools.
- Exercise caution with hard, sticky, and especially chewy foods.
- Research some local dentists in the city you’re staying in.
- Keep up with your oral care regimen on the road.
Handling a dental injury overseas can be scary. If you find yourself in this situation, do your best not to panic and follow the above tips. That way, your pain-free smile is restored as quickly as possible!
About the Practice
At Midtown Family Dentistry, we know how anxiety-inducing handling a dental injury can be, especially when you’re away from home. That’s why our skilled dentists, Dr. Zach Kingsberg and Dr. Sara Fallahi go the extra mile to offer same-day visits. In fact, we even offer late and Saturday appointments to ensure we are here for you when you need us most. If you’re struggling with a dental injury or simply need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 469-290-0609.