There’s never a good day to have a dental emergency, but if you experience one while traveling abroad, a difficult situation can be much more stressful. You can’t wait until you return home to visit a dentist or you may suffer repairable damage, like tooth loss. Whether you’re heading overseas for vacation or work, here’s what you should do if you have a dental emergency.
Schedule an Appointment Before You Leave
You may never expect to have an oral health emergency, but 1 in 6 Americans will be in this situation this year. Accidents and injuries aren’t the only cause of dental emergencies. Many are caused by untreated oral health issues, like tooth decay or failing restorations.
You can lessen your risk of a dental emergency by scheduling a cleaning and checkup before your departure. Your dentist will check your mouth for anything concerning to ensure a minor issue doesn’t turn into a big problem while you’re away.
Pack a Dental Emergency Kit
Accidents can happen with no warning, so it’s best to be prepared. In addition to your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, create a dental emergency kit. Include pain relievers, gauze, dental saline solution, medical gloves, and other items that may be necessary during an oral health emergency.
It’s a good idea to look for an emergency dentist in the area that you’ll be staying to have a number handy, just in case. You don’t want to lose valuable time searching for a dentist if the worst should happen.
Don’t Wait to See a Dentist
Time is of the utmost importance. Do not wait to see a dentist. Delaying treatment can cause a minor issue, like a toothache, to lead to a major, costly situation. Besides receiving care abroad, visit your family dentist when you return home to ensure you don’t require any additional treatment.
Managing Common Dental Emergencies
If a dental emergency occurs, don’t panic. Here’s how to handle the most common situations:
- Toothaches: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever and eat soft foods. Rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce pain and inflammation. It is also a natural antiseptic to kill bacteria.
- Object Stuck in Teeth: Use floss to try to remove the object. Never use sharp or metal instruments to dislodge anything caught in your teeth.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Hold your tooth by the crown and rinse it with cool water. Insert the tooth back into the socket. If you’re not successful, place it in a container of dental saline solution or milk and head to the closest dentist.
- Broken Tooth: Keep your mouth clean and chew on the opposite side. Avoid hot or cold food and drinks to prevent sensitivity.
An emergency dentist will get you into their office quickly to provide the prompt treatment you need.
About Dr. David Fried
Dr. Fried earned his dental degree at Midwestern University and has continued his education in various specialties, including emergency dentistry. He is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Indiana Dental Society. Request an appointment through his website or contact our office at (219) 356-3900.