When Calmness Turns to Crisis: Tips to Handle a Dental Emergency While on Vacation

Suffering a dental emergency while on vacation can put a damper on any activities you have planned. However, knowing what to do and where to seek help can simplify the process and get you back to enjoying your time away much sooner. Whether it’s a broken or cracked tooth that needs repair or a lost restoration that needs replacing, read on to discover what tips you can use to address the problem and make the most of your summer getaway.

Tip #1: Plan Ahead.

Before leaving on vacation, research the area you’re visiting and find an emergency dentist. This may require reading reviews or looking at various websites to determine what kind of policy they have. Knowing who you can plan to call if an unexpected dental injury occurs, though, can give you greater peace of mind, making it easier not to panic when tragedy strikes.

Tip #2: Locate the Closest Emergency Room.

If finding a dentist who provides urgent dental care is not possible, make sure you know where the closest emergency room is. Generally, you’re only encouraged to visit the ER if you have a broken or fractured jaw, excessive bleeding, or increased swelling; however, if you need help for an oral injury and there is no local dentist who can help, visiting a nearby ER is your best option.

Tip #3: Pack a Dental Emergency Kit.

Since you cannot know what kind of injury you might sustain while on vacation, it’s best to keep a dental emergency kit on hand, no matter what the problem might be. You might consider including:

• Fresh gauze
• Dental cement
• Orthodontic wax
• Latex gloves
• A dental mirror
• A small container
• Dental floss
• Anti-inflammatory medicine (i.e., ibuprofen)
• Pain reliever medication (i.e., acetaminophen)

Tip #4: Notify Your Dentist.

Even if you see a local oral healthcare professional abroad, you’ll need to notify your local dentist as well. This will ensure that they remain aware of the situation and can provide helpful ways to manage it while you’re away. You may need to schedule an appointment so that you can see your dental team after you return for more comprehensive treatment.

If you want to avoid a dental emergency altogether, the best way is to practice good oral hygiene and preventive care. By keeping up with brushing, flossing, and rinsing routine, as well as visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings, you can lower your risk of an oral injury no matter where you are.

About the Author
Are you worried you might experience a dental injury while away on vacation? Dr. Proshat Shahrestany is an emergency dentist in Studio City who can provide helpful tips for you to follow when spending time away from home. Opening Studio City Dental Arts in 2012, she leads a trustworthy and highly skilled team of professionals who are always ready to help when a crisis occurs. If you want to better prepare for your upcoming getaway, contact us at (818) 760-0200 to learn what you can do to manage a nagging toothache, broken tooth, or damaged restoration.