Tooth ache is a very disturbing occurrence, especially when it occurs during travel time. It is best to be prepared before travelling, however certain emergencies cannot be avoided. When exactly you have to see a dentist and when is it an emergency situation has to be decided by the patient, depending on the severity of symptoms.

So how do we react to a tooth emergency when out of station or while travelling?

Tooth ache:
This is a very common problem on travelling. Tooth pain during flight travel occurs, when air enters through minor cracks or cavities present in the tooth. The air goes inside tooth and expands due to pressure changes, causing pain and disturbance. This usually subsides down after flight landing. But if the pain continues to exist, then it’s better to have some pain killers (over counter medication) and check with a dentist nearby.

Cracked or fractured tooth:
Cracked tooth is not visible to naked eyes. Symptoms are often related to pain on biting or chewing food only. So people do not take this pain seriously unless it gets worse in flight r travel conditions. Such cracked tooth has to be properly filled and covered with crowns where necessary. Alternatively if there is a fractured tooth on emergencies, then it is better to visit a nearby dentist immediately and do the needful. Tooth with vertical fractures do not have a good prognosis and may demand extraction.

Dislodged Tooth:
If a tooth gets dislodged due to accidents and emergencies, it is necessary to see the dentist at the earliest to get it back into the socket again. If tooth has fallen down, it can be washed slightly without disturbing the attached tissues. If not out of the socket completely, it’s best to place the tooth into the tooth socket again, hold it with a tissue paper or clean cloth on biting and then go to a nearby dentist. If the tooth has dislodged out of the socket, then it’s safer to carry the tooth in a small cloth or a small cup of milk. The tooth has to be taken to the nearby dentist within 30 mins, so as to restore the vitality of the surrounding tissues of the tooth.

Some travelling tips to be prepared

If there is some related tooth pain earlier before the travel, it is better to get it treated before taking off. Root canal treatment, scaling or gum problems need to be sorted out for a comfortable travel.

Go in for a check-up: If you are planning for an overseas travel or a long journey, get your teeth checked much earlier. Certain intentional and precautionary measures can be taken to protect your teeth on the long run. Get some tips from the dentist regarding painkillers and antibiotics, which can be used in case of emergencies.

Dental insurance: Get some dental insurance. Many insurance policies do not provide coverage overseas. Additional temporary dental plan may be needed to protect while travelling.

Travel prepared: Practice very good oral hygiene measures. Carry all necessary toiletries like tooth paste, floss, de-sensitizers, mouthwash etc.

Take care of your diet plan: Avoid chewing hard candies, very cold, hot drinks or acidic beverages so as to decrease sensitivity symptoms and fracture of weak tooth. Such measures will avoid aggravating any problem and the need to consult a dentist abroad.

Book an appointment with us at Oris dental centre for more enquiries.

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