You’ve been planning your international trip for over a year, and the time has almost arrived. You have everything at work organized and wrapped up and all your reservations are made, but suddenly, an errant thought pops into your head, “What if I need to go to the dentist?” Unfortunately, unlike yourself, dental emergencies don’t take a vacation. But there are a few things you can do both overseas and back home to make sure an unexpected dental problem doesn’t ruin your vacation.
Schedule a Quick Checkup
When was the last time you went to the dentist? The most effective way to prevent a surprise toothache from popping up is to see your dentist for an exam before you go. That way, they can spot anything that could be a problem in the near future and fix it so it doesn’t hamper your trip.
Invest in a Mouthguard
Are you planning on doing something active during your trip? Whether you’re playing a local sport or riding a horse on the beach, wearing a mouthguard can give you peace of mind while also preventing a small fall from turning into a dental visit. It’s worth investing in a custom-guard from your dentist because it will not only defend your teeth better than one off the shelf, but it will also allow you to breathe and speak easily while wearing it.
Look for a Dentist Where You’re Staying
It never hurts to be prepared! Try to find the closest dentist to the hotel or hostel where you’ll be staying. While it might take a little effort if you’re visiting a location where English isn’t common, it’s much wiser to do this work now rather than while you’re dealing with a dental emergency.
Mind What You Eat
This advice applies whether you’re at home or anywhere else in the world. When eating any food that is particularly hard, just pay attention while you are chewing. As strong as your teeth are, an unfocused bite into rock candy or the shell of a mussel is enough to cause a crack or chip or maybe even break a tooth if you’re unlucky. You should eat whatever you want on your trip, but be sure to be mindful as you enjoy each bite!
After all of the other preparation you’ve already done, going the extra mile to ensure your vacation isn’t thrown off by a dental emergency certainly shouldn’t feel like that much work. Plus, it will give you one less thing to worry about so you can just sit back, relax, and soak up the sights.
About the Author
Dr. Allan Mohr has proudly served the Massapequa Park community for more than three decades, and he is one of the most widely respected restorative dentists in the United States. An in-demand trainer, speaker, and educator, he has literally helped thousands of patients overcome all types of dental pain and other emergencies. If you want to make sure your vacation doesn’t include a trip to the dentist, don’t wait–click here or reach out to Dr. Mohr by calling (516) 541-7344 to schedule an appointment.