Few people think about their teeth when they go away on holiday, and
dental problems can be frustrating when you are miles from home.
Have a look at these tips and precautions to make sure you (and your
teeth) are well prepared for your holiday!
- Check Up Before You Check In - Arrange a dental
appointment 3-4 weeks before you travel, so there is time to sort
out any immediate problems. We also offer travel kits, to help
temporarily repair dislodged crowns, bridges or fillings, so we
can make sure you are well prepared for the unexpected.
- If an Accident Occurs… - If a tooth is knocked out, it
has a good chance of reimplanting itself if reinserted within one
hour. If possible, lick it clean (don’t use water or antiseptic),
put it back in the socket and get to a dentist. If you cannot put
the tooth back in the socket, either try and keep it in your cheek
and bathe it in saliva, or place in a small container of milk – don’t
put it in a tissue or handkerchief. If you chip a tooth or lose a
filling, you must try and protect the tooth from further damage. A
dental emergency kit should include a protective dressing, but if
you haven’t got one, chewing a piece of sugar free gum and placing
it over the tooth can make an effective temporary dressing.
Don’t try a DIY job with tweezers and nail files! Try and get to a
dentist as soon as possible.
- Damage to Dental Work - If you break a crown, bridge or
filling and there is no danger of any fragments being swallowed,
try and put it back together and replace it in your mouth until it
can be mended professionally. Always remove the parts before going
to sleep
- Watch the Water - In some countries, the water supply
may be unsafe. It is therefore, a good idea to clean your teeth
with bottled or boiled water.
- Oral Hygiene - If you run out of toothpaste on holiday,
you will probably be able to find a similar type as most of the
major brands are multinational. If you usually use an electric
toothbrush, these can keep their charge for about a week without
the charger– ideal if you’re off on a short break! If you’re away
for longer, you may need to bring a power adaptor so you can
charge it
- Foreign Food – Remember that foreign food such as curry
can be heavily spiced and coloured, and may stain teeth as a
result. Remember to chew sugar free gum after eating to try and
prevent tooth decay. If necessary, use a whitening brand to reduce
staining.
- Finding a Dentist Abroad – Not all foreign dentists
have the same standards and ethics that we are used to in the UK.
If you do need treatment whilst you are away, get a recommendation
from a local person, who unlike a hotel concierge, would not be
paid to recommend certain practitioners.
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