Preparation is the best way to avoid a dental emergency, especially if you have been fighting some tooth pain before you leave. Here are some few precautions to practice before embarking on your trip:
#1: Get a checkup before you go
Make sure you have been to see your dentist at the recommended interval. Your dentist can check for signs of problems that need monitoring while you are on your trip and can also give you tips on how you can care for your teeth and respond to a dental emergency.
#2: Get some dental insurance
The truth is that most insurance policies do not cover you when you are overseas. You may need to get an additional temporary dental plan for your travel.
Alternatively, when taking out Denplan membership with supplementary insurance at your practice, you will be covered for worldwide dental emergency assistance via the Denplan helpline. More about Denplan
If you already have cover with Denplan, remember to take your membership number and call 0800 844 999 to find a local dentist abroad.
#3 Research some local dental clinics.
Plan in advance by researching some local dental clinics. These may vary in standard, often depending on where you are. Try to find a dentist who speaks your language fluently. This will ensure there is no misunderstanding to the emergency treatment you may be receiving. The British embassy may be able to provide you with a list of practices, or, if not, your hotel or a local expat community may also be able to help.
#4: Be well prepared
Good oral health is essential to avoiding emergencies, so remember to bring all the brushes you typically use at home as recommended by your dentist and hygienist. If you have been experiencing pain, apart from seeing your dentist before taking off, you should also travel with some over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Even if you don’t currently have pain, its prudent to take a dental emergency kit with you just in case. This is especially useful if you are visiting a country with minimal dental coverage. You can get these emergency kits from most large pharmacies and supermarkets.
#5: Keep a close eye on your diet
Mind your oral habits overseas. Avoid chewing hard foods which could cause a chip or crack a tooth. If you have been battling with sensitivity, stay away from extreme hot and cold drinks and other acidic beverages. Make sure you take some Sensodyne toothpaste with you to apply to the sensitive area daily, this should help to reduce any symptoms.
#6 Preparing for your return
If you do have dental treatment abroad, make sure you get copies of your records and any x-rays taken to bring back with you. This ensures when you return your dentist will know what the problem was and what treatment was carried out.
If you have a dental problem abroad, give us a call when you get back, so we can help resolve any problems before they worsen.
Hopefully your holiday will be trouble free, but no-one can predict when these things might happen. It is always best to be prepared and a pre-holiday dental check is a good place to start. You can arrange your appointment to see one of dentists by calling us on 0118 942 7113.