You’ve planned your dream vacation. Your reservations are made. You’re packed and ready. You’ve even scheduled a dental checkup at our Cheshire, Connecticut office to make sure you catch any potential problems, have finished any major work, and have an up-to-date chart.

But things don’t always go according to even the best of plans. So, what to do if you find you have a dental emergency while traveling? The doctor and our team have some recommendations for problems that might arise.

• Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any food particles. Never put aspirin directly on a tooth or gum tissue. If the pain persists, call a dentist.
• Cracked or broken tooth: Immediately rinse with warm water to clean the area and apply cold compresses to the face to minimize swelling. Get in touch with a dentist.
• If you lose a tooth: Keep the tooth moist at all times. Put the tooth back in the socket without touching the root if possible. If that is not an option, place the tooth between the cheek and gums or in milk. See a dentist as soon as possible.

Know where to get help if you need it! If you are traveling in the United States, the American Dental Association offers Find-a-Dentist, a website that can locate a member dentist closest to you. If you are traveling to another country, there are steps you can take to prepare for an emergency.

• If you are out of the country and need to locate a dentist, your local embassy or consulate, your hotel concierge, or friends abroad can be a useful resource.
• Before you go, check your insurance to see if you are covered while traveling.
• If you have travel insurance, find out if it covers dental treatment and can provide information on qualified local dentists and translation help, if necessary.
• Good dental care is available in many areas internationally, but it is important to know what standards are present in the countries you plan to visit. The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures offers a checklist for safe treatment in their “Traveler’s Guide to Safe Dental Care.”

If you have any questions, the doctor and our team are happy to do all we can to answer them. While it’s unlikely that problems will arise, we are always available if you need to contact our Cheshire, Connecticut office. Bon voyage, and we look forward to hearing about your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have a dental emergency while traveling?
If you experience a dental emergency while traveling, stay calm and seek professional dental care as soon as possible. For a severe toothache, broken or knocked-out tooth, dental infection, swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding, contact a local emergency dentist for prompt evaluation.

Can I wait until I return home to see my dentist?
It depends on the severity of the problem. Minor dental discomfort may sometimes be monitored, but significant pain, swelling, infection, bleeding, or dental trauma should not be ignored. Delaying treatment could allow the condition to become more serious.

What should I do if I break or chip a tooth while traveling?
Rinse your mouth gently with water and avoid chewing on the affected side. If you can find the broken piece, keep it in a clean container and bring it with you to the dentist. Schedule an emergency dental evaluation to determine whether the tooth needs bonding, a crown, or another treatment.

What if my tooth gets knocked out while I am traveling?
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires urgent dental attention. Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root, gently rinse it if necessary, and keep it moist. Seek an emergency dentist immediately, as prompt treatment may improve the chances of saving the tooth.

How can I manage a dental emergency until I see a dentist?
Temporary measures can help manage discomfort until professional care is available. Rinse your mouth with clean water, use a cold compress for swelling, and avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods. Do not place aspirin directly on your gums or damaged tooth.

Should I see an emergency dentist for dental pain while on vacation?
Yes, especially if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or sensitivity that is getting worse. An emergency dentist can identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment so you can avoid further complications while traveling.

When is a dental emergency serious enough to visit the emergency room?
Severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or significant facial trauma may require immediate emergency medical attention. For urgent tooth-related problems without these serious symptoms, an emergency dentist is generally the appropriate provider.

How can I prevent dental emergencies while traveling?
Maintain your normal oral hygiene routine, avoid chewing hard objects or ice, protect your teeth during sports, and pack essential dental-care items. If you have an existing dental concern, consider having it evaluated before your trip to reduce the risk of an emergency.