Before You Pack Your Bags This Summer, Don’t Forget Your Smile
Vacation is supposed to be about relaxing. Whether you’re heading to the lake, the mountains, or somewhere with sand between your toes, the last thing anyone wants is to spend part of the trip searching for an emergency dentist.
The good news? A little planning before you leave can go a long way. Taking care of a small dental concern now is much easier than dealing with one from a hotel room.
Check Off Your Dental Checklist
If it’s been a while since your last visit, consider scheduling a checkup before your trip. A loose filling, a cracked tooth, or a cavity that’s starting to bother you can become much bigger problems once you’re away from home.
Before you leave, it’s also worth taking a few minutes to:
- Pack a toothbrush, floss, and fluoride toothpaste
- Bring any nightguard or retainer you wear regularly
- If something has been bothering you, have it checked before you travel
- Save our phone number in your contacts, just in case
A little preparation can give you one less thing to think about while you’re away
Experiencing an Issue While On the Road?
Even with the best planning, accidents happen. That doesn’t have to mean a big fall or sports injury—even something as small as a popcorn kernel can cause an issue that could quickly change your plans.
If you chip or break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces if you can. If swelling develops, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help keep you comfortable until you’re able to see a dentist.
If a tooth is knocked out, time matters. Pick it up by the crown, gently rinse it if it’s dirty, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If not, keep it in milk or a tooth preservation solution and seek dental care as soon as you can.
We’ll Be Here When You Get Home
Hopefully your biggest vacation decision is where to stop for ice cream, not where to find emergency dental care.
If you have a tooth that’s been bothering you before your trip, don’t wait to see if it settles down on its own. A quick visit now may save you from an unexpected interruption later.
And if something does happen while you’re away, give Spoonwood a call when you get home. We’ll help you get back to smiling as quickly as possible.