You’ve been working hard all year, and you deserve a break. Thankfully your summer vacation is right around the corner. Naturally, you want to enjoy your time off and leave your cares behind when you close that laptop and put your phone on do not disturb. But before you head out the door, make sure you’re not setting yourself up for an oral health emergency. After all, the last thing you want to do is cut your sabbatical short to spend time in the dentist’s chair. Here are a few ways you can prevent a dental emergency this season!
Prevention is Key
Don’t let a surprise cavity or loose filling take the wind out of your sails. If it’s been a while since your last dental exam, schedule your appointment now before you take off on your summer adventure. That way if you do need any unexpected treatment, you can take care of it before it has a chance to get worse.
Be sure to take care of your oral health on your own, too. Don’t take a vacation from brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day, no matter where you are.
Pack Your Bags
What kind of activities are you planning on your break? Will you be participating in any contact sports like skating, volleyball, or baseball? While these don’t seem like particularly dangerous sports, they can easily cause injury if you fall, bump into another player, or get hit by an errant ball.
If you are gearing up to play a sport, speak to your dentist about getting a custom mouthguard made and be sure to put it in your suitcase. Mouthguards fit comfortably into your mouth and can help protect your teeth and gums from sports-related injuries.
Keep it Safe
If you don’t already have one, consider building a dental emergency kit. It’s like a first aid kit, but for teeth. Here are some items you can include:
- Gauze
- A tooth mirror
- Dental floss
- Toothpaste
- A toothbrush
- Saline solution
- A handkerchief
- Rubber gloves
- Tweezers
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Alcohol wipes
- A small sealable container
- Petroleum jelly
- Temporary dental filling material
- A cold compress
- Lidocaine numbing ointment
- Dental wax
- Over the counter pain medication
- Contact information for your dentist
Rule the Pool
If you and your family will be spending any time poolside, be sure to go over the rules before diving in.
- Never run on the pool deck
- Close your mouth when swimming to reduce your risk of tooth discoloration from chlorine
- Be careful jumping in and out of the water
Maintain The Course
Maintaining your healthy diet while on your vacation is harder than it sounds, and that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a scoop of homemade ice cream or savoring a few pieces of saltwater taffy every now and again but be sure to balance the sweets with healthy foods, too. Summer has no shortage of junk food, but its also the perfect season for healthier fare like juicy watermelon, corn on the cob, and a bounty of other fresh-from-the-garden options.
Remember, summer break is meant to be fun. Don’t spend yours dealing with a stressful dental emergency. Take a closer look at your oral health before you go so you can relax and have the best vacation ever!
About Dr. Parmar
Dr. Deval Parmar has practiced and studied dentistry in both the United States and India. She is a member of the American Dental Association and The Texas Dental Association and has received advanced training in areas such as Invisalign, dental implants, and laser dentistry.
If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health or need an exam or emergency appointment, please schedule an appointment with the team at Archway Dental by visiting our website or by calling 972-737-9506.