If you’re traveling this summer, maintaining good oral health is an essential preventive measure against dental trouble throwing a wrench in your plans. In case of emergency, it’s best to be prepared and plan ahead so that if something unexpected occurs, you have an idea of how to handle it. Here’s how you can manage a dental emergency while you’re out of town.
Managing Some Common Dental Emergencies
There are steps you can take on your own to protect your grin! If you’re away from home without access to your usual dentist, here’s how to manage some common dental emergencies until you find a professional:
Toothache
If you’re having a toothache while traveling, and it doesn’t go away or the pain worsens, you need to see a dentist as soon as you’re able. In the meantime, here’s how you can alleviate some of the discomfort:
- This can help dislodge any food particles that might be stuck in the affected area.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds.
- Wet a towel with cold water or wrap it around a bag of ice. Apply to the affected area for 20 minutes and repeat every few hours as needed.
- Follow the directions as specified on the bottle. Dentists typically recommend ibuprofen.
Damaged Tooth or Restoration
Breaking or cracking a tooth, crown, or filling is a dental emergency that requires urgent professional care. Rinse your mouth with water and apply a cold compress around the impacted area to manage some of the swelling and alleviate some discomfort.
Lost or Missing Tooth
While all dental emergencies require urgent care, finding a dentist within an hour is the key to saving your tooth. Make sure not to touch any of the tissue fragments!
Rinse your tooth gently with clean water and then hold it in the socket or put it in a glass of milk.
Finding an Emergency Dentist in Your City
When you’re out of town or in an unfamiliar place, a health scare can be really stressful. Here are some things to know about how to find an emergency dentist in your area who can help:
- Contact the front desk of wherever you’re staying about recommendations for local dentists.
- The beauty of the Internet and data! There are a lot of online reviews for just about every service and store.
- All doctors are trained to manage pain and can prescribe antibiotics. They will also likely be able to refer you to a local dentist in the area they know.
About the Author
At Lifetime Dental of Agawam, your smile is in the capable and expert hands of Dr. Frank Michitti. He is an esteemed Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, meaning he has dedicated over 1,100 credit hours to continuing his education beyond graduation. Dr. Michitti is highly accommodating and offers multiple amenities and technologies for your comfort and convenience. If you are in need of emergency dental care, contact Dr. Michitti at his website or by phone at (413) 786-4400.