A dental emergency can be shocking and leave you at a loss for what to do next. However, it can be even more stressful if one occurs while you are away from home and abroad overseas. Without your familiar surroundings, you must navigate getting help for your smile in a new place. The good news is that it is a perfectly solvable situation! Read on to learn more about tips for a dental emergency while in a different country and what you can do to immediately care for your oral health.
Top Tips for a Dental Emergency While Overseas
The key to tending to an unexpected event with your teeth is knowing what to do before it happens so you can think clearly in the midst of your dental emergency. Here are two helpful tips to get you back on track to a healthy smile:
Develop a Plan with a Dependable Dentist
Once you arrive at your destination, take the time to research local emergency dentists who provide urgent care. Be sure to also find out if they accept your dental insurance plan, if you have one. By finding a dentist in your area, you can count on them if something unexpected happens. You can also ask your primary dental office if they have any recommendations for providers in the area you’re going to. This will help in case any necessary records need to be shared with an emergency dentist that is out of town.
Visit an Emergency Room
Unfortunately, some emergencies with your teeth, gums, or mouth can be very painful. They may even cause fever or swelling. If your dental issue goes untreated, you increase the chances of the symptoms spreading to other parts of the body and even becoming life-threatening. If you are unable to find an emergency dentist near you, the next best thing is to go to a local emergency room. By seeking medical care, they can help relieve your oral discomfort, prescribe antibiotics, and connect you with a local dentist.
What Can You Do Immediately to Treat Your Smile?
In the immediate aftermath of a dental emergency, there are some things you can do to treat your smile while you wait to see an emergency dentist:
Toothache
Toothaches can occur anytime, but traveling increases the chances of one beginning. Flying causes an air pressure imbalance. If you have a crack, cavity, or gap in your filling, the air can enter it and expand, causing discomfort. The toothache will likely disappear when you land, but if it doesn’t, rinse your mouth, floss your teeth, and take pain medication. If you are still experiencing tooth pain while you are on your trip, it may be best to visit a local emergency dentist.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth gets knocked out, it’s important to hold it only by the crown. You can rinse the root gently if necessary and then attempt to reinsert it into the socket. If the tooth is not staying in place, put it in a cup of milk or salt water to keep it moist while you head to the dentist’s office.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
If you broke or cracked your teeth, you will need to seek immediate dental attention. In the meantime, rinse your mouth, and apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Try to minimize any touching of the impacted area.
While no one wants a dental emergency to happen, unexpected things happen…even while traveling! With these helpful tips, you will be prepared to care for your smile no matter what comes your way.
About the Author
Dr. Rachel Clark and her team at Illuminate Family Dentistry keep the smiles of Derby healthy, whole, and beautiful. She earned her dental doctorate from Creighton University and consistently completes continuing education courses focused on a wide variety of procedures. By offering high-quality dentistry with compassionate care and same-day appointments, she can assist you with any dental emergency. To schedule a visit, contact her through her website or call (316) 847-7730.