Stay Calm and Smile: Handling Dental Emergencies on Summer Vacation

Ah, summer vacation! A time to relax, enjoy yourself, and get some quality time with friends and family. However, even if you’re on a dream trip, one dental emergency can quickly turn it into a nightmare! Knowing how to handle dental emergencies while on vacation can save you time, money, pain, and stress! So, read on to find a guide to help you stay calm and smile through any dental emergencies while you’re out and about.

What are the Most Common Dental Emergencies?

The first step to dealing with dental emergencies is understanding common issues and their symptoms. This can help you respond appropriately and find relief! Here are a few dental disasters you may encounter:

• Toothache: A severe or persistent toothache can indicate an infection or other dental issue.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: A knocked-out tooth can be an immediate vacation-buster! It needs to be dealt with very quickly to save the tooth.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Losing a filling or crown can cause discomfort and expose your tooth to further damage.
• Chipped or Broken Tooth: Accidents can happen, especially when you’re having fun! Often this leads to chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.

What Can I Do in Case of Dental Emergencies?

For each type of dental emergency, there are specific steps you can take to manage the situation until you can see a dentist. Here’s a breakdown for each of the common ones listed above:

Toothache

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water and salt if you have it.
2. Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food or debris.
3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to manage the pain.
4. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.

Knocked-Out Tooth

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the visible part), not the root.
2. Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue.
3. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. Hold it in place with gentle pressure.
4. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of milk or a tooth preservation product. In a pinch, keep it between your cheek and gums.
5. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth!

Lost Filling or Crown

1. Use dental cement, available at pharmacies, to temporarily fill the area.
2. If you lose a crown, you can use dental cement or toothpaste to temporarily place it back on the tooth.
3. Use a topical anesthetic like Orejel or clove oil to reduce the pain.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

1. Clean the area with warm water to get rid of small fragments or debris.
2. Save any broken pieces of the tooth, if possible.
3. Use an ice pack to stop swelling around the gums and numb any pain.

With this simple guide, you’ll be ready to act if your vacation is interrupted by a dental emergency. So, have no fear and head out for adventure this summer! Just remember to pack a little dental emergency kit, just in case!

About the Author

If you need a dental emergency solved quickly in Homer Glen, Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo can help you back to your summer celebrations! He’s a talented dentist with a degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and decades of experience. Call (708) 854-5912 to schedule an emergency appointment at DeAngelo Dental of Homer Glen or visit our website to learn more about other services we provide.