There is nothing that is more stressful and frustrating than a dental emergency when you are traveling. It’s hard to prepare for an emergency thoroughly. Fortunately, your emergency dentist has tips on how to handle a dental emergency in your family during travel. Read on for some helpful ideas.
Locate a Dentist
Hospital emergency rooms are typically not equipped to handle emergencies with teeth. So it’s a good rule of thumb to contact a local dentist first if one of your family members encounters dental pain or distress. Contacting a dentist will likely save you time, stress, and money in the long run.
Ask for recommendations for an emergency dentist from trusted friends and family members you may be visiting. If you are abroad, try to find a dental emergency hotline. An emergency hotline can lead you to a provider who can help manage your situation.
If you purchased travel insurance for your trip, you could contact your insurance provider to find a local dentist that accepts your coverage. A hotel concierge is also a valuable resource for a dental referral.
Think Ahead Before You Travel
One of the best ways to avoid an emergency while traveling is to be prepared. Some precautions to take before your trip are:
- Have a dental checkup before you go: Visiting your dentist for routine preventive care before you leave allows your dentist to alert you about concerns such as tooth decay that could turn into more significant problems when you’re on your trip.
- Purchase dental insurance: If you already have it, check your coverage and see if it offers options for when you travel. Otherwise, you may need to purchase travel insurance.
- Don’t forget the right tools: Bring your toothbrush, dental floss, and mouth rinse, so you don’t interrupt your normal routine while you travel. Also, having some over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen may be helpful if you run into a problem.
- Watch what you eat: When you travel, you are more likely to indulge in foods you would not usually enjoy. It can be fun to try new foods, but it’s also important to be wise about what you’re eating. Hard and sticky candies could cause problems such as fractures or broken restoration, while acidic foods and beverages could wear away enamel and promote tooth sensitivity.
The most important thing you want to do on vacation is to have fun! Be sure to contact your dentist before you leave with any questions you may have.
About Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Lily loves taking care of children, and it shows. Her friendly and gentle demeanor helps put children at ease and feel comfortable visiting the dentist.
If you would like to contact Dr. Lily or schedule your son or daughter’s next appointment, Shiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry can be reached by calling by calling 469-925-0861 or through our website.