There’s never a good time to experience a dental emergency, but if one happens while you’re overseas, a stressful situation can be much worse. 1 in 6 Americans will suffer a dental emergency this year. Although you can’t always stop them from occurring, there are several things you can do to lessen your risk. If the worst should happen, here’s how to handle a dental emergency while you’re abroad.
Visit Your Dentist Before You Leave
Not all dental emergencies are caused by accidents or injuries. Many are caused by untreated dental problems, like cavities. Even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms, a minor issue can turn into a serious situation quickly.
Schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist before you leave. They’ll detect and treat anything concerning, like gum inflammation or decay, so you’ll be less likely to have a dental emergency while you’re traveling.
Pack a Dental Emergency Kit
It’s best to prepare for the unexpected. Create an emergency dental kit to bring with you. Include a dental saline solution, gauze, pain relievers, and other items that can be beneficial for common oral health emergencies, like a knocked-out or chipped tooth.
Have a Phone Number Handy
Before you jump on a plane, look for a dentist in the area you’ll be traveling. It’s best to have a phone number handy, just in case. You don’t want to wait until you get back home to see a dentist, or it might be too late to save your tooth.
Visit an Emergency Room
If you can’t find a dentist, head to the closest hospital emergency room. Although they can’t treat the underlying problem, they can prescribe antibiotics or pain relievers until you see a dentist.
Manage Your Discomfort
Take an OTC pain reliever and apply a cold compress to manage your discomfort. Eat soft foods and chew carefully. Rinse your mouth with salt water to kill bacteria and reduce pain and inflammation.
Schedule an appointment with your regular dentist when you arrive home. They’ll examine your mouth to ensure you don’t require any additional care.
About Dr. Lancen Halbert
Dr. Halbert earned his dental degree at The Medical University of South Carolina and has completed advanced education in various specialties, including CEREC, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry. Request an appointment through his website or contact Tylan Creek Family Dentistry.