How To Handle Dental Emergencies While Traveling

Written By Jennifer Raskin / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

With summer in full swing, many of us are making our way around to other places. The pandemic may be keeping us from going abroad, but there are other safe spaces from coast to coast that we can all explore together. It’s good for the mind, body, and soul.

There are a number of ways the American Dental Association recommends planning for your vacation so that something doesn’t tarnish your family memories. Here are a few of the most common troubles that may arise and how to handle them while you’re far from home.

Toothaches while traveling

Toothaches are a pain anywhere, but nothing will sour your vacation faster than a throbbing tooth. First, try rinsing your mouth with warm water, then use dental floss to see if you can dislodge any particles that might be caught between teeth adding to your unrest.

You can take OTC pain relievers for the pain, but if it doesn’t subside, you can always contact your dentist and find out whether you should wait until you get back or find a referral at your destination.

Knocked-out, broken or cracked teeth while traveling

For the adventurers, nothing will ruin a day of rafting, zip-lining, or other outdoor fun faster than if you accidentally knock out, break, or crack a tooth. This would be considered an emergency that you can’t put off.

Ask your hotel concierge to help find an emergency dentist. If one isn’t available, you’ll need to go to the emergency room.

Try to collect all tooth fragments, rinse the tooth, and avoid touching it anywhere but the crown. It’s best to try to plug it back where it came from but if that doesn’t work, you can put it in milk and hurry along your way to get treated. The faster you act, the more likely you’ll be able to save your tooth.

Lost crowns or fillings while traveling

You may be able to wait until you get home from your trip if you lose a crown or filling. You can get OTC dental cement at most drugstores. In a pinch, you can use sugarless gum.

For crowns, you can slip it back onto your tooth and hold it in place with that dental cement or denture adhesive. This will keep things in place until you can get to your dentist.

Denture breakage while traveling

If you wear dentures and they break or won’t fit while you’re away, you shouldn’t try tinkering with them on your own. See if you can find a local dentist that can help, and if not, stick to soft foods until you get back to see your own dentist.

To avoid dental emergencies, with the exception of accidents, you should always schedule your dental checkups prior to your vacation. Your dentist can make sure everything is looking good so you won’t have any surprises and can enjoy your travels more freely.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Jennifer Raskin is a freelance writer, wife and mom that loves cold weather despite her location in Florida, cooking, reading, watching ‘80s movies, weight-lifting, and wine tasting.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com

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