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With summer arriving, you’re ready to travel and get some well-deserved relaxation. You certainly don’t want any interruptions from a dental emergency, as it could seriously dampen your fun. While there is no way to completely prevent dental emergencies from happening, you can at least decrease the chances. Here are some preventive tips to implement before heading out!
Tip #1 – Be Prepared
Of course, the objective is to prevent a dental emergency from occurring, but it’s wise to have some responsive measures in place. The more effectively you can act when a dental emergency strikes, the sooner you can recover.
Before heading out on vacation, it’s best to pack an emergency dental kit. Here are some of the items you should include:
- Cotton gauze
- A handkerchief
- Saline solution
- A small container with a lid
- Over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve or Motrin)
- The contact information (office number and email address) of your dentist
By having these items in place, you’ll be less likely to panic if a dental emergency arises. Therefore, you can calmly stabilize the situation until you can receive dental treatment.
Tip #2 – Drink Water
While it’s certainly okay to indulge in some of your favorite beverages while on vacation, don’t forget about the importance of drinking an adequate amount of water. Your body requires at least half your body weight in ounces to maintain proper function. As it pertains to your oral health, drinking water helps in saliva production, which plays a significant role in flushing debris and bacteria from your mouth.
Tip #3 – Swim Safely
As the summer sun grows stronger, swimming pools become more alluring. Unfortunately, pool accidents escalate during the summer months and can contribute to dental emergencies. Children are the most at-risk group. So be sure to instruct your little ones to be careful not to quickly surface after swimming underwater, as it can lead to a collision. They should also avoid running on slippery decks and diving into shallow pools.
Tip #4 – Visit Your Dentist
What’s the status of your oral health? The best way to find out is to visit your local dentist before heading out on vacation. Therefore, any budding issues can be “nipped in the bud” before they develop into a painful, inconvenient and costly dental emergency. Better yet, you’ll have a clean set of teeth that you can flash for the camera when it’s photo time.
Summer is a time of year where memories are made that will last a lifetime. To make every moment count, follow the above tips and get ready to enjoy yourself to the fullest!
About the Author
Dr. Christopher Duong earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Throughout his career, he has completed various continuing education courses, covering multiple treatment areas. Always eager to be of service, Dr. Duong takes a compassionate and detailed approach to practicing dentistry. He can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.
