There is no opportune time for dental emergencies. In fact, they often happen when it’s least convenient and can be quite frustrating, especially if one unfolds during your summer vacation! But luckily, there are many preventive measures you can take to reduce the chances of experiencing a serious problem that will derail your fun! Here are five tips from your dentist to help you prevent a dental emergency this summer.
1. Schedule A Dental Visit
You should be visiting your dentist twice a year anyway for biannual checkups, so why not schedule one of those visits before leaving for vacation? This gives your dentist the chance to inspect your mouth and ensure that you don’t have any oral health concerns that could potentially develop into a serious problem. This also gives you a large window to fit in as many appointments as necessary for you or your family members—and if you have kids, you won’t have to pull them out of school!
2. Prepare A Dental Emergency Kit
It never hurts to be prepared; having a small kit ready to go in the event of a dental emergency can sometimes make a huge difference when dealing with a crisis. It doesn’t need to be anything large or expensive, but at least include a card with your dentist’s information (including their emergency number), gauze or handkerchiefs, saline solution, and a small container for displaced teeth.
3. Stick to A Healthy Summertime Diet
It’s easy to indulge when you’re on vacation, especially when it comes to foods and drinks. But you should consider a healthy diet and avoid excess sugar whenever you can during the summertime, as unhealthy options can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and more. Skip the sodas and sweets and opt for things like fruits, vegetables, yogurts, cheeses, and of course, drink plenty of water.
4. Practice Sports Safety
If you’re a fan of summertime sports or outdoor activities, you should wear the correct protective gear. Contact sports like football, basketball, and more can sometimes lead to injury; but a mouth guard can protect you from most serious mouth trauma. Swimming pool accidents are a common reason for dental emergencies, too—so show a little extra caution when you’re at the pool.
5. Monitor Your Oral Health and Practice Good Hygiene
Summer vacation does not mean taking a vacation from taking care of yourself! Whether you’re at home or staying in a hotel, brush and floss daily and maintain a clean mouth. As soon as you notice a problem or encounter a dental emergency, contact your dentist immediately; inaction can lead to additional complications.
Summer vacation is meant to be a fun, relaxing reprieve from your normal routine, but a dental emergency can easily disrupt this! Follow these tips to help avoid any unexpected dental disasters this season.
About the Practice
Cross Creek Dental Care proudly serves patients and families in the Marion community under the leadership of Dr. Eric Buck. Dr. Buck received his dental doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is involved in many professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, the Columbus Dental Society, and more. His practice offers many available services, including emergency dentistry! If you or a loved one is suffering from a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment online or by phone: (740) 725-8000.