Now that the warmer months are upon us, we like to spend most of our days outside, enjoying the beautiful weather. However, being much more active means there’s a higher risk for dental problems—most dental emergencies happen during summer for this very reason! These accidents can be unsettling and may even cost you your smile, but following proper precautions can prevent them from happening. Here are four ways you can avoid a trip to your emergency dentist this summer.
Stay on Top of Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Don’t forget to prioritize your oral health on your new summer schedule! It’s easy to skip the floss or forget to brush while traveling, but doing so can have problematic effects. Make sure you remind everyone to continue their usual dental hygiene routine, even during vacation. Protect your smile from possible decay and infection by packing travel-sized essentials like toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, and floss.
Practice Safe Swimming
Did you know pool accidents are one of the top reasons for dental emergencies during the sunny season? Children are at higher risk of sustaining mouth and face injuries while swimming because they can easily bump into others. Running on slippery decks can lead to falls, and diving in shallow water can result in hitting the bottom face first, leading to chipped, broken, or displaced teeth. Brush up on pool safety before hitting the local pool and encourage your children to follow safe practices!
Pack a Dental Emergency First Aid Kit
No matter how hard you try, some accidents simply cannot be avoided. You could take every safety measure in the book, and one could still occur—that’s life for you! Be prepared to handle these unexpected dental injuries by packing an emergency kit that includes:
- A card with your dentist’s contact information (office and emergency phone number)
- Gauze
- A handkerchief
- A small container with a lid
- Saline solution
Schedule Dentist Appointments
The last thing you want is a toothache or filling to be a problem while away on vacation. To avoid complications, schedule checkups for the entire family before leaving for a lengthy trip. Your dentist will be able to detect any problems and address your concerns so you can enjoy your days off with a problem-free smile. Moreover, dental care may be expensive or hard to come by at your destination. Managing your issues before departure will help you avoid potential mishaps or emergencies that could cost you more time and money down the road.
Don’t let a dental emergency derail your summer fun! Follow these tips to ensure your family getaway is exciting, memorable, and safe.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Neslund and the team at Carlisle Family & Cosmetic Dentistry strive to provide friendly, comfortable, top-tier service during every visit. Dr. Neslund has studied extensively with the Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education (SPEAR) since 2000 to stay ahead of the latest advancements and breakthroughs in dentistry. Although there are several ways to minimize the risk of a dental emergency, we understand they’re not always avoidable. If you are preparing to leave on vacation and would like to ensure your smile won’t be a problem, schedule a checkup with Dr. Neslund via our website or call (717) 258-5455.