Dental emergencies can strike when you least expect them – and unfortunately, that includes during your summer vacation. If you’re planning a big trip with your family, then it’s important to take whatever precautions you can to make sure that sudden oral health issues don’t spoil the fun. Below are 4 helpful tips for preventing dental emergencies during your big summer outing.
1. Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist Before You Leave
If you know you’ll be away from home for a while, it’s a good idea to pay your dentist a visit beforehand. That way, they can examine your smile for problems that might be developing without you realizing it. If any oral health issues are found, you should take the appropriate steps to deal with them as soon as possible before they have a chance to turn into emergencies.
2. Be Mindful of What You’re Eating
While you’re on vacation, it’s important to be aware of what you’re eating and how it can affect your mouth. Foods that are particularly high in sugar could easily lead to tooth decay if you overindulge on them. It’s therefore best to minimize your exposure to such foods. When it comes to snacking during your trip, you can stock up on more smile-friendly options such as carrots and apple slices.
3. Play It Safe at the Pool
If you decide to head to the pool during your vacation, you need to exercise caution. Pool accidents are a leading cause of dental emergencies during the summer. It can be all too easy to damage a tooth by bumping into others while swimming or falling down while running on a slippery surface. Make sure that everyone in your family is familiar with basic pool safety rules so that you can avoid this type of issue.
4. Be Sure to Pack an Emergency Dental Kit
Even if you do everything right, a dental emergency could still occur despite your best efforts. As such, it’s worth putting together a dental emergency kit that is well stocked with items that can help you get any sudden oral health issues under control. Some of the items that should be in this kit include:
- Ibuprofen or similar over-the-counter medications that can help relieve oral pain.
- Gauze for stopping any oral bleeding.
- Saline solution and a small container with a lid for preserving a knocked-out tooth.
- A card with your dentist’s phone number.
There’s no need to let fear of a dental emergency stop you from enjoying this summer to the fullest. By following the right precautions, you can make sure that you and your loved ones are able to have plenty of fun in the sun while keeping your smiles safe!
About the Author
Dr. Joshua Perry is a board-certified prosthodontist who is highly skilled when it comes to repairing damaged teeth. He attended the University of Florida and spent time working in a dental lab before graduating from dental school. His current practice, Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry, offers same-day appointments for patients who need emergency dental care. If you’re suffering from an urgent dental issue, you can contact Dr. Perry at his office in Ponte Vedra Beach to schedule an emergency appointment by calling (904) 280-1200.