Tips for Handling Dental Emergencies on Vacation

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If you have experienced a dental emergency while you’re on vacation, then it’s important to keep a cool head. There is no need to panic. Fortunately, your dentists, Drs. Patel and Schnare, have many treatments that can help you and your smile. Until you visit them, it’s best to handle the situation correctly. To help you do so, they encourage you to do the following things:

-For a toothache: Gently clean the tooth and surrounding area. You can do so by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing with waxed floss and rinsing with saltwater. To relieve the pain, take over-the-counter pain medication. If the toothache does not go away within a few days, it’s best to schedule an appointment for when you get back.

-For a broken tooth: Save all of the pieces of the tooth. There is a chance your dental team can reattach them. Keep them in a safe place and contact our office. We will decide if you need an immediate appointment or if we can wait to treat the tooth until you get back. Try to reduce pain and swelling by using a cold compress on the area and by taking over-the-counter pain and inflammation medication.

-For a knocked-out tooth: Retrieve the tooth by holding it by the crown. Rinse it gently with warm water (don’t scrub it). Keep the tooth alive by keeping it moist. You can do so by placing it between your gums and cheek or by putting it in a cup of saltwater or milk. It’s important to call your dentists immediately. We will help you find a nearby dentist who can help you.

Do you have any questions about how to handle dental emergencies on vacation? If so, please contact Smile By Design at 770-942-1096 today. Our dental team in Douglasville, Georgia, will be more than happy to help you in any way we can.