If you are looking to travel abroad for a holiday this year, you are probably thinking about seeing the sights, lazing on a beach or enjoying the local cuisine. What you are probably not thinking about is a problem with your teeth, possibly including a trip to the local emergency dentist.
While dental problems abroad are not especially common, they can, and do, happen. A lost filling, a broken tooth or a sudden toothache can occur at any time and can often have a habit of appearing just when it is most inconvenient.
Fortunately, a little preparation before you travel can make a real difference. Spending a few minutes thinking about your oral health before you leave home may help you avoid unnecessary stress while you are away.
If you are due for a routine examination, perhaps after your holiday, it is worth contacting the Rushey Green Dental Practice in Catford to arrange this before your holiday rather than putting it off until you return.
We may detect a small problem that has not yet started causing discomfort. A cracked filling, early decay or a loose crown may not be painful now, but travelling, changes in temperature or simply biting into something unexpectedly hard could make matters worse.
Dealing with any concerns before you leave is usually much easier than trying to arrange treatment in an unfamiliar country.
Most people remember to pack sunscreen and sunglasses, but dental items can sometimes be forgotten, leaving you to either neglect your teeth, or at the very least, trying to find the local pharmacy to buy replacements.
Along with your toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, it is sensible to take:
Eating out is one of the many pleasures of travelling abroad and for some people, the main reason that they choose their destination.
Having said that, it is worth being a little cautious with particularly hard foods if you already have heavily restored teeth. This especially applies to foods that you are unfamiliar with. They may look softer than they actually are, and biting down hard could cause damage to your teeth. This is especially true if you have been advised previously that a restoration may need replacing in the near future.
Most of us probably choose hotter countries to travel to, especially following a dull and wet winter in the UK. When we are unfamiliar with the heat though, we are likely to find that we sweat more and lose fluid from our body.
Drinking plenty of water at this time is not only important for your general health but also helps your mouth stay comfortable too. A dry mouth can increase the risk of bad breath, gum disease and may contribute to tooth decay if it becomes persistent. Water also helps to wash away food debris after meals, particularly if you are spending the day sightseeing and cannot brush your teeth immediately.
Holidays inevitably disrupt everyday habits. Late nights, early starts and busy days can all make it tempting to skip brushing your teeth before bed. Even while you are away, it is important that you brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and continue cleaning between your teeth using dental floss or an interdental brush.
It only takes a few minutes out of your day and can help prevent potentially painful problems developing while you should be enjoying your holiday.
Patients wearing Invisalign aligners or removable dentures should take extra care not to wrap them in a napkin while eating. It is not unheard of for the table to be cleared promptly and without you noticing (especially after a few drinks!). Along with the plates, glasses etc may also go your dentures, causing a massive inconvenience for the rest of your holiday.
Always place removable appliances in their protective case before meals. It is a simple habit that may save you an expensive replacement.
Even with the best preparation, dental emergencies can sometimes happen.
If you develop a severe toothache, facial swelling or suffer dental trauma, try to contact a local dentist as soon as possible. Most popular holiday destinations have dental practices experienced in treating visitors, and hotel reception staff are often able to recommend a nearby clinic.
If a filling falls out or a crown becomes loose, keep it safe if possible. In some cases it may be possible for a dentist to re-cement the original crown rather than making a completely new one.
If a tooth has been knocked out following an accident, seek urgent dental advice immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance of saving the tooth. If a blow to the head has occurred, you should probably have this checked by a doctor or at the hospital as well.
Many people assume travel insurance automatically covers every type of medical treatment. This is not always the case.
Before travelling, it is worth checking whether emergency dental treatment is included in your policy and whether there are any limits on the amount that can be claimed. Having this information in advance can make things much simpler if treatment is unexpectedly needed.
In the event of the need for dental treatment, and depending on the urgency of it, it is advisable to call our Catford dentists for advice. If you are close to the end of your holiday, and especially if you are in a less well developed country, it may be preferable to delay treatment until you return home. We can offer advice on how to keep the tooth, and yourself, comfortable until then, or tell you not to wait and seek out local care. We will do what we can to help.
Where treatment is carried out abroad, we also recommend that you book an appointment with us to ensure that the restoration has been performed correctly. Many dentists abroad are excellent, but this is not always the case and it is always worth checking to avoid potential problems from arising soon after. If you would like to arrange a check up before you go away on holiday, or even if you would like to improve your smile before you go so that you can look your best in your holiday photos, we are here to help you. To arrange your appointment at the Rushey Green Dental Practice, simply give us a call today on 020 8314 5066.
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