Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
Vacation season is finally here! Whether you plan on traveling to another city or decide to take a staycation and relax at home, a dental emergency could happen anywhere. Unfortunately, it’s at the most unexpected time when a tooth gets knocked out, broken, or chipped, or an old filling or crown comes loose. But with our guidance, you can lower your risk of dealing with a dental emergency while on vacation.
- Get a checkup and cleaning before you go
Checkups involve a comprehensive assessment of your teeth and gums. During these visits, the dentist checks your gum health, examines each tooth, and inspects dental restorations like fillings, crowns, and bridges to ensure they remain intact. Our Bloomsburg dentists also recommend getting a dental cleaning before going on vacation. Dental cleanings remove tartar buildup to help reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. Plus, removing tartar from your teeth could help uncover potential dental issues that the eye couldn’t see. The American Dental Association recommends getting a checkup and cleaning once every six months. So, if it has been six months or longer since your last visit, we recommend scheduling a checkup and cleaning before taking a vacation.
- Don’t put restorative treatments off until later
Restorative procedures may involve placing a filling or crown on a tooth to save and protect it from further damage. If you have any cavities or other tooth damage that requires treatment, we recommend not putting it off because the condition could worsen unexpectedly. Ignoring a dental problem could result in a sudden toothache or a damaged tooth that leaves a sharp, irritating edge. It could interfere with your ability to sleep, eat, and have fun while on vacation. Even if the dental problem doesn’t cause any discomfort, the tooth could be subject to additional damage if not appropriately treated by a dentist. Therefore, if you need any dental treatments, get them done before going out of town.
- Take care of your teeth while you’re gone
Vacation is a time to relax and let go of your usual responsibilities. But that doesn’t mean you should slack on your oral care. Be sure to pack basic oral hygiene items like your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. If you like using a water flosser, cordless options are easy to bring along when traveling.
Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about brushing and flossing them daily, but it also matters what you eat and when you eat it. Being on vacation may mean that you ignore your usual diet and consume more snacks and sugar than usual, or adults may enjoy refreshing cocktails or wine while relaxing. However, be mindful of the sugar content and acidic levels in the foods and beverages you consume while on vacation. We recommend being mindful of how often you consume things with sugar and being sure to brush and floss at least twice a day to remove sugar and acids from your teeth.
- Ask your dentist if you could benefit from a nightguard
Mouthguards, also referred to as nightguards, are custom-made oral appliances worn to protect your teeth against damage if you clench and grind your teeth while sleeping. You might have bruxism or clench and grind your teeth if you experience morning headaches often, sore or sensitive teeth, or the chewing surfaces of your teeth are worn and smooth. Unfortunately, ignoring this condition could lead to a sudden toothache or damage from a cracked or broken tooth. Therefore, ask the dentist if you could benefit from a mouthguard to protect your teeth while sleeping.
Emergency Dentists in Bloomsburg, PA
Taking care of your teeth and regularly seeing the dentist are essential to maintaining your oral health and can help reduce the need for an emergency trip to the dentist. While dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, they are less likely to occur if you stay on top of your oral care and address dental issues as soon as they arise. If you’d like to schedule a dental appointment before you go on vacation, contact Hamilton Dental Care by calling (570) 387-0533.
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