Whether you plan on visiting the beach or traveling this summer, you’ll want to make sure you look and feel your best. One important aspect to consider is a healthy smile. After all, the last thing you’d want is to have a dental emergency during your trip. While these situations can happen when you least expect them, there are certain precautions you can take to reduce your risks. Keep reading from your dentist in St. Albans about five ways you can prevent a dental emergency from happening during summer vacation!
#1: Visit Your Dentist Before Your Trip
The best way to avoid any complications with your teeth is to schedule a checkup and cleaning with your dentist. This is especially important if you are experiencing mild sensitivity or discomfort, as they’ll be able to detect the root problem and address it before it worsens. After they provide the necessary treatment, you can be sure to enjoy a healthier and safer smile at the start of your trip.
#2: Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth clean every day is essential for preserving your dental health. Since your summer schedule might be full of fun activities, it can be easy to forget to practice proper dental hygiene. To avoid dental issues, make sure to brush your teeth when you wake and before sleeping, and floss at least once a day.
#3: Take Plenty of Healthy Summer Snacks
It can be tempting to simply snack on all the tasty summer treats throughout your vacation. However, many of these foods are high in sugar content, which can make your teeth more susceptible to bacteria and decay. For this reason, it’s best to stock up on healthier meal choices, such as fruits, veggies, cheeses, yogurts, and even chocolate milk.
#4: Wear a Mouthguard
Do you enjoy playing contact sports? If so, then you may benefit from getting a mouthguard. Sports injuries are no joke, especially if they can result in a knocked-out tooth. By wearing a mouthguard, you can protect your teeth and soft oral tissues from damage as well as save yourself time and money from needing restoration treatments.
#5: Pack an Emergency Dental First Aid Kit
Although you can practice every precaution to avoid a dental emergency, accidents can still happen. You can be prepared for this kind of situation by packing a portable kit containing the following items:
- A small container with a lid
- Saline solution
- Gauze
- A handkerchief
- Ibuprofen
- Your dental office’s phone number
By practicing these few tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your summer vacation while protecting your pearly whites! Speak with your dentist if you have any further questions, and they’ll be glad to help.
About the Author
Dr. Tyler Aten earned his dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut. He’s also a proud member of the SPEAR Study Club and has pursued countless hours of continuing education to refine his expertise. He provides multiple high-quality and modern treatments, including dental checkups/cleanings and emergency dentistry to help preserve your best smile. If you’d like to schedule an appointment before your trip, feel free to visit our website or call 802-524-4844.