There’s never a good time to have a dental emergency, but if you have an urgent oral health problem while you’re overseas, it can make a difficult situation even more stressful. Whether you’re traveling for work or taking a vacation, you can’t wait until you get back home to have the issue addressed. Don’t worry, here’s what you should do if you have a dental emergency while you’re out of the country.
Lessen Your Risk of a Dental Emergency
You can lower your risk of a dental emergency occurring while you’re away by visiting your dentist before you leave. Many sudden oral health issues result from untreated dental problems, like decay. A cleaning and checkup will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. If your dentist finds anything concerning, it can be addressed before you leave, so a small issue doesn’t turn into a big problem.
How to Handle a Dental Emergency
Unfortunately, dental emergencies can still occur. It’s important to provide the appropriate first aid until you get to a dentist. Here’s how to manage the most common situations:
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it with water. Do not use any soaps and don’t dry it. Carefully insert it into the socket. If you’re not successful, place it in a cup of milk and get to a dentist right away.
- Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with salt water to remove bacteria and reduce inflammation and pain. Avoid biting with the tooth until after it has been repaired. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage your discomfort.
- Lost Restoration: Don’t try to glue a lost crown or bridge back in place. You can use a small dab of toothpaste to hold a restoration in place until you see a dentist. Avoid chewing with the tooth until after your restoration has been replaced.
- Toothache: A toothache can indicate an infection. Use an over-the-counter reliever to manage your discomfort and eat soft foods.
Get to a Dentist Right Away
Visiting an unfamiliar dentist in a foreign country can make your heart race, but your oral health relies on getting the care you need. Find an emergency dentist in the area, and get to their office quickly. If there aren’t any locally, head to a nearby hospital. Although emergency rooms can’t treat the underlying issue, they can provide antibiotics and pain relievers until you can see a dentist. After you return home, schedule an appointment with your regular dentist.
About Dr. Mohammed Mansour
Dr. Mansour earned his dental degree at the Jordanian University of Science and Technology and achieved his oral and maxillofacial pathology certificate from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. He can treat the most complex oral health situations, including dental emergencies. Request an appointment through our website or call (972) 433-9722.