Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Exploring the world and other cultures with your loved ones and best friends, or on solo trips is a great way to destress, rediscover yourself, or immerse yourself in a new culture and country. Any time of year is great for vacations, with most Americans traveling during summer and holidays, according to The Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

This summer is expected to be one of the most traveled on record, with the TSA already breaking a record for the most individuals screened in one day. Another popular time to travel, especially to tropical destinations, is during fall or winter breaks.  Whether you’re traveling this summer before the new school year begins or later this year, you want to ensure you’re fully prepared. 

Whether traveling to a different state or internationally, you’ll want to have a plan in place just in case of an emergency. That includes packing extra medications, having emergency contacts on hand, storing embassy contact information, and should also include a plan for dental emergencies. Keep reading for a traveler’s guide to first aid, specifically for dental emergencies on the go so you can be fully prepared.

Prevention Starts at Home

Whether you’re traveling to a tropical destination and will be ziplining through a jungle, bungee jumping off a high structure, or simply relaxing on a beach, accidents happen. Unfortunately, some dental emergencies on vacation were already an issue before traveling and went undetected until the pain began. Dental emergencies like root canals, abscesses, and broken or loose teeth probably started before your travels, only starting to show symptoms after arriving at your destination.

Before you take an extended trip, get a dental exam for preventative care. An experienced dental office can examine your teeth and look for cavities, root canals, abscesses, loose teeth, or other warning signs that might signal an impending dental emergency. They can find and treat something before you embark, giving you peace of mind. 

Pack an Emergency Dental Kit

You already pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and maybe mouthwash, but for extended travel or just to be extra prepared for toothache relief while traveling, a lost dental filling or crown, or a broken tooth, consider packing an emergency dental kit. Unless you had a developing toothache before embarking on your travels, you may never think to pack extra items for dental first aid.

Toothaches, broken teeth, and lost fillings or crowns are examples of dental emergencies that can occur while traveling. Whether you’re planning to eat and experience new cultures through food or are planning on doing some wild excursions, be sure to pack a dental emergency kit just in case. Items for a dental emergency kit include pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, things needed for individual dental issues like wax for braces and mouthguards, and ice packs for soothing a toothache or pain.

Have a Plan for How to Handle Dental Emergencies

Before you embark on a vacation, it’s best to do a little research before your trip. Research can include information about the culture, great restaurants, and things to explore. But, you should also research providers that take your insurance in case of a medical or dental emergency. When an emergency happens, you’ll know the name and address of the doctor and facility that accepts your insurance so you don’t need to call multiple places or pay money out-of-pocket.

Before traveling, keep a note in your phone or a notebook and pack some contacts and addresses for possible medical emergencies, including dental emergencies. If you’re traveling within the nation, keep a list of medical providers for your insurance, including dental. If you’re traveling abroad, include the following for a dental emergency:

Keep these contacts/websites handy in case of dental emergencies. You can also rely on your hotel concierge for assistance in contacting medical facilities or the local U.S. embassy or consulate.

Invest in a Travel Insurance Policy

If you plan on embarking on a European vacation, Mediterranean cruise, or internationally to explore your heritage, you’ll want to invest in traveler insurance. While your insurance includes providers across the U.S., you’ll be out of luck internationally and will have to pay out-of-pocket for travel dental emergencies. There are many travel insurance companies to choose from, all offering varying plans and types of coverage for the duration of your trip.

Contact Your Family Dentist Upon Return

Your family dentist will need to be informed of any dental emergencies that occurred during your travels. Keep receipts and request paperwork from a dental emergency visit whether abroad or from the U.S. When you’ve arrived back home and settled into your routine, contact your family dentist upon return with an update regarding the dental treatment you received on your trip, including toothache relief while traveling, lost filling or crown, or broken tooth solutions. They’ll keep this information in your records and can take a look at it at your next visit.

Traveling is an incredible privilege, whether you’re visiting family across the state or exploring a different country. Though travels are exciting, you’ll want to take a bit of time to educate yourself on how to handle a medical emergency. Having an emergency dental kit for toothache relief while traveling, contact information for travel dental emergencies, and contacts for dental first aid are always a great idea.

If you’re looking for local dental care for children, adults, or seniors,  look no further than Rhoades Family Dentistry! We offer the following services and treatments with exceptional care for our patients:

Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen! Our hygienists and dentists go above and beyond to keep your family safe and comfortable during visits, easing anxiety and offering kind and gentle care. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care!