How to Handle a Dental Emergency During Summer Vacation

Dental emergencies often happen when you least expect them; in fact, 20% of the population experiences some sort of dental trauma every year! However, as with any sort of emergency, being prepared and knowing what to do as the situation unfolds is crucial to ensuring your well-being. Here’s what your dentist wants you to know about dental emergencies during summer vacation and what you should do if you find yourself experiencing one.

Preparing For Dental Emergencies During Summer Vacation

When it comes to handling dental emergencies, the best thing you can do is simply try to prevent them from happening in the first place! However, it’s still wise to be prepared for one—if you aren’t, they can easily derail your entire summer vacation. Consider the following:

• Pack an emergency kit – Take a page from the Boy Scout’s handbook and “be prepared.” Having an emergency kit ready to go in the event of an injury is highly advisable. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; include items like gauze, over-the-counter pain relievers, dental wax, and a small container for displaced teeth.
• Research local dentists – If you do experience a dental emergency during your vacation, already knowing where to go can make it much easier to deal with.
• Visit your dentist beforehand – You should be visiting your dentist twice a year anyway, so scheduling one of your biannual visits before your trip will allow your dentist to address any existing problems that could potentially progress further.
• Practice good oral hygiene – Being on vacation does not mean that you should take a vacation from your oral hygiene! Brush your teeth and floss daily to reduce the chances of a dental emergency occurring.

What To Do When You Encounter a Dental Emergency

Even with careful preparation, dental emergencies can still occur—and when they do, it’s important to act quickly! Delay of action will only lead to additional problems. Some common dental emergencies that people experience during the summertime include:

• Toothaches and increased sensitivity.
• Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth.
• Displaced teeth.

Even though some of these injuries often involve physical trauma, dental emergencies can occur even without direct contact. Regardless of the cause or type of injury, it must be addressed! If you have travel insurance, you can contact a local dentist who will be able to see you either immediately or whenever necessary, depending on your emergency. You might also need to visit a local emergency room. In any case, it’s important for you to contact your primary dentist back home and let them know what happened; they’ll want to see you when you return!

Dental emergencies aren’t fun at all; especially if you encounter one while you’re on summer vacation! However, taking preventive measures and being prepared to leap into action will ensure that your smile has the best possible chance of staying beautiful.

About the Author

A Wisconsin native herself, Dr. Gina Ostrand is honored to serve patients and families in the Pewaukee community! Dr. Ostrand received her dental doctorate from the Marquette University School of Dentistry and completed her General Practice Residency at the Loyola University Medical Center. Her practice is proud to offer many available services including emergency dentistry! To schedule an appointment, please reach out online or by phone: (262) 695-8600.