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Sunday, December 18, 2011

Managing Dental Emergencies on Vacation

Dental emergencies aren't fun at any time of the year, but during a vacation they can "hurt" you even more.  Not only in the ouch sense, but also in the wallet.  Sometimes, additional costs are incurred when a dentist sees you in an emergency situation.  And, if you need emergency dental care after hours or during a holiday, the costs can add up.

It's always best to let your home town dentist take care of any dental issues you have prior to leaving town.  They're familiar with your oral health, and may already have current dental x-rays in your file.  But if you do find yourself in unfamiliar territory, ask friends or relatives for a referral to their dentist.  Online searches and local yellow pages are also excellent referral sources.

If you're not able to find a dentist, here are some tips to take care of some biting dental problems on the fly:
  • Help, I have a Tooth Ache!  Constant throbbing, sleepless nights, and if you've ever experienced this type of pain, you know it's no laughing matter.  Ibuprofen, if you are able to tolerate it, is an anti-inflammatory medication that can help with pain and swelling.  Keep your mouth clean and periodically rinse with salt water.  Avoid hot, cold, and sweets.  Call your dentist because they may be able to call in a prescription for anti-biotic medication.
  • My Tooth, It Chipped! Many times when you chip a tooth, there's no pain.  The best way to keep it that way until you are able to see a dentist is to avoid chewing on it.  There's always a chance that a chipped tooth could chip off even more unless you give it extra TLC.  
  • Wow, that was Sensitive! If you experience sensitivity with your teeth, it's probably best to avoid sweets and things that are cold.  But if you have an area that causes severe sensitivity, you know the kind that makes you wince in pain, plan to call your dentist as soon as possible.  This is a sign you have a cavity!
  • My Crown Just Came Off! Whether the crown (sometimes called a cap) you have in your hand is a permanent or temporary, it can be put back on in no time....by you.  If you have some toothpaste or denture adhesive on hand, dry the inside of the crown and your tooth with cotton, place a dab of toothpaste or denture adhesive on the inside of the crown and then put the crown back on your tooth.  Don't force the crown on.  Once you have it back on your tooth, wipe off the extra adhesive.  One very important thing to remember, Never Put Your Crown On With Super Glue!
  • My Tooth Just Broke! Avoid eating on a broken tooth, and it's best to avoid drinks and foods that are very hot or very cold.  As long as the tooth isn't causing you severe pain, you should be fine until you get back home and visit your dentist.  If your tooth is hurting, or if the broken tooth happens to be in the front of your mouth, an emergency visit to a dentist wherever you find yourself will probably be the best option.  Sometimes, a temporary fix may be all you need to buy you some time till you're back home.  
Whatever your plans are for the holidays or vacation, caring for your teeth probably isn't on the list of things to worry about.  But if your grin does give you problems while you're away, hopefully it isn't so bad it puts a damper on your fun.

3 comments:

  1. Thank you, happy you found the information helpful.

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  3. One mistake people make with a toothache is to apply pain medication directly against the gum because that could inflame the gum and potentially do more damage to the teeth.

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