I’m Working Overseas; How Should I Handle a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies seem to never happen at convenient times, so it’s not a bad idea to be prepared for them even if you don’t expect them. Many people travel overseas for work or pleasure every year, and some of them will experience dental emergencies when they are away from home. Here’s a few tips for preventing dental emergencies when you’re working away from your home country as well as a guide for getting the help you need if dental disaster strikes.

How Can I Prevent Dental Emergencies When Traveling Abroad?

It’s always better to prevent a problem than deal with it, and there are luckily many ways you can avoid dental problems that require emergency treatment. Practicing excellent oral hygiene that includes daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash can prevent oral infections by minimizing the populations of the harmful oral bacteria that cause them. Be sure to pack an oral care kit so you have everything you need for good oral hygiene when you’re traveling.

One of the best ways to prevent dental emergencies when away from your homeland is to see your dentist for a routine exam a few weeks before you leave. This gives your dentist the chance to detect and correct developing issues before they have the chance to become full-blown oral health crises later. Scheduling this appointment several weeks before your trip gives you the time to receive any necessary restorative treatments.

Another great way to avoid dental disasters is to limit your sugar intake so oral germs don’t have the fuel they need to multiply rapidly and infect surrounding tissues.

How Can I Get Help if I Have a Dental Emergency Abroad?

Before you leave for your trip, research emergency dentists located around your destination. It’s a great idea to ask your local dentist if they can recommend an emergency dental provider there. This way, you’ll be connected to a dentist you can trust in case of an emergency, and your provider at home may be able to easily exchange information about your dental and medical history should the need arise.

However, if there is not an emergency dentist open when your tooth-related crisis occurs, head to an emergency room. The staff there will be able to provide you with antibiotics to control infections and pain relievers to keep you comfortable until you can get to a dentist later. If your problem is a knocked-out tooth, they may be able to treat it so that it remains in savable condition for twenty-four hours. Always remember to handle a knocked-out tooth only by the crown, as touching the root can damage the sensitive tissues it contains.

Knowing what to do when an emergency strikes can save you from a lot of pain, stress, and inconvenience. By taking measures to ensure that your teeth are safe and cared for while you travel, you can keep your smile in great shape for years to come.

About the Practice

Dentistry of Wisconsin offers exemplary oral health services to the people of Waupun and Beaver Dam. Led by Drs. Derek Metzger, Nate Truckenbrod, Myriel Dittman, and Chaz Konrath, the staff sees to each patient receiving sincere compassion, effective treatments, and excellent customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about experiencing a dental emergency while visiting the area, contact the practice online.