Now that summer is here, you can finally look forward to taking some time off work for a well-earned vacation. Whether you plan to spend time relaxing at the beach or are taking a trip to a bucket-list destination, you’re probably eagerly making plans and packing your bags. However, you don’t want to forget about your dental health in all your preparations.
Everyone knows that oral emergencies can strike at any time, regardless of where you are, and you wouldn’t want a toothache or injury to interrupt your itinerary. With that in mind, keep reading to learn 3 helpful tips to prevent an urgent situation during your summer break!
Tip #1: Make An Emergency Kit
Although you can’t anticipate exactly when a dental emergency will occur, you can take steps so that you’re prepared if it does. Having everything you need close by can save your smile if you’re in an unfamiliar place and don’t know who to call. Building a kit with all the basics ensures that you’ll have what you need if something happens. Some helpful items are:
- Travel-sized toothbrush & toothpaste
- Floss or flossing picks
- Card with your dentist’s contact information
- Clean gauze
- Saline solution
- Small airtight container with a lid
- Bottled water
- Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen
- Mirror
- Dental wax
Tip #2: Maintain Your Routine
When you’re away from home, it’s easier to forget about your usual daily routines—including your oral hygiene regimen. Regularly removing plaque buildup and bacteria from your teeth and gums keeps them strong and healthy, making them more resistant to potential damage and disease. That means even when you’re on vacation, it’s important to continue brushing and flossing twice daily.
If you have a long flight with transfers, you might want to take a mini toothbrush and container of toothpaste in your carry-on baggage so that you can stay fresh while you travel.
Tip #3: Have a Checkup Before You Go
One of the best ways to ensure that your mouth is healthy before you head out of town is to have a checkup with your dentist before you leave. This allows them to identify and treat any areas of concern before they can become a real problem. For example, if they see any cavities forming, they can clean and fill your teeth so that you don’t develop a toothache later. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your teeth and gums are in peak condition.
Taking a few simple precautions to care for your smile can help you make the most of your summer vacation!
About the Practice
At Northbrook Dental Group, people of all ages benefit from a father-and-son dental duo that works together to offer a full array of services from one convenient location. Drs. James and Justin Woodruff have decades of combined experience and can handle everything from basic preventative services to more complex procedures. They know that emergencies can happen at any time, so they offer evening and weekend hours to accommodate your needs. They also offer same-day appointments and sedation dentistry so that if you’re in pain, you won’t have to wait long for relief. If something has happened and you need to be seen immediately, you can contact the office on the website or call (847) 272-0049.