Life comes at you pretty fast—you might be out and about enjoying yourself during summer vacation when out of nowhere, you suffer a dental emergency. Dental emergencies can happen any time or any place, and if you sustain one during your vacation, you might have questions about how to handle it. Here are some tips from your emergency dentist for addressing dental emergencies during summer vacation, along with some ways for staying prepared for them.
Tips for Addressing Common Dental Emergencies During Summer Vacation
One of the most important things you can remember if you’re experiencing a dental emergency is that time is of the essence; prolonging treatment can lead to some serious (and often painful) consequences. If you’ve suffered something severe like a knocked-out tooth, seeking treatment promptly often makes a large difference in your mouth’s overall well-being. Here are some common dental emergencies that people experience during the summer and how they should be handled:
- Broken or cracked teeth – This requires immediate action. You should rinse your mouth and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to address any swelling. Then you should find an emergency dentist or ER for urgent treatment.
- Displaced teeth – Knocked-out teeth have the best chance of being saved if you’re able to see a dentist within 30 – 60 minutes. In the meantime, recover the tooth and store it in a cup of milk or small plastic container.
- Toothaches and hypersensitivity – If you experience a persistent toothache that isn’t clearing up, you can manage your pain with over-the-counter relievers until returning home to your dentist.
If you’re traveling when you suffer a dental emergency and have travel insurance, you can often visit a local dentist for treatment. In severe cases, it might be easier to visit a local emergency room for symptom relief (but note that emergency rooms are often not equipped to fully treat dental emergencies). But in any case, it’s always important to contact your dentist back home to schedule a visit for when you return.
Tips for Staying Prepared for Dental Emergencies
Although it’s simply not possible to prevent dental emergencies entirely, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself physically and mentally for one:
- Prepare a small emergency kit containing the basics: a card with your dentist’s name and number, gauze, over-the-counter pain relievers, and a small plastic container for displaced teeth.
- Schedule a routine dental checkup before leaving to ensure that your dentist has a chance to look at your mouth and detect any underlying issues.
- Research local dentists so that you have a rough idea of where you could go in the event of a dental emergency.
- Practice good oral hygiene daily to drastically reduce the risk of experiencing a dental emergency.
A dental emergency can completely derail your summer vacation if it happens when you least expect it. But being prepared for one and knowing exactly what to do can ensure that your smile is in no long-term danger.
About the Practice
Solomon Dental Group has proudly served patients and families in The Woodlands for several years under the leadership of Dr. Carin J. Solomon and Dr. Helen Sergerie. Together they combine several years of experience to provide patients with an exceptional level of dental care. Their practice is pleased to offer many available services including emergency dentistry. If you or a loved one is suffering from a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out for help: (281) 367-4007.