What to Do In a Dental Emergency While Traveling
Over 98 million Americans will be traveling for the holidays. At the same time, trips to the emergency room typically rise over the holidays. This means there’s an increased chance of experiencing a dental emergency away from home. Whether you slip on ice or bite into a candy cane, here’s how to be prepared for a dental emergency on the road.
Prevention is key to avoiding potential emergencies while traveling. Make an appointment with your dentist a few weeks prior to your departure date so you can address any issues like cavities, infections, loose fillings, or anything else that may interrupt your trip.
Pack a first aid kit that includes:
- Gauze to stop bleeding.
- Sugarless gum that can temporarily replace a lost filling.
- Dental wax for broken braces or dislodged crowns.
- Clove oil to help reduce oral pain.
- Save A Tooth, a drugstore product that can keep a knocked-out tooth alive for 24 hours.
- Know the nearest dental office and emergency room at your destination. Also, make sure to bring the contact information for your family’s dentist and orthodontist.
Wishing you save travels and lots of holiday smiles!
Sources:
- http://www.aae.org/patients/symptoms/knocked-out-teeth.aspx
- http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/handling-dental-emergencies
- http://www.rd.com/health/conditions/home-remedies-for-toothache/
- http://saveatooth.com/
- https://www.patientconnect365.com/dentalhealthtopics/article/oh_no_a_dental_emergency_while_away_from_home_now_what
- http://newsroom.aaa.com/2014/12/aaa-98-6-million-americans-traveling-holiday-season-four-percent-last-year/
- http://wellcommons.com/groups/trauma/2011/dec/20/er-visits-typically-rise-during-holidays/