Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Dental Issues on the Road

Nothing can derail a trip faster than a bad toothache. Dental issues can develop quickly, so here’s how you can deal with it on the road.

It’s never a bad idea to get your teeth checked before you travel, and take care of any decayed teeth, broken fillings, and other dental problems. That becomes even more important if you’re traveling to a remote or developing area. Make sure your dentist knows you’ll be traveling in case any recovery period is necessary.

Ask your dentist if he or she has a referral in your destination city. Other helpful resources include the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers and the American Dental Association, which can provide referrals and information.

Check out HealthcareReviews.com to get reviews of dentists all over the world and ratings on costs/fees, wait times, approachability, knowledge and overall experience.

As for what constitutes a “dental emergency” on the road, if your tooth is chipped, broken, or knocked out, see a dentist as soon as possible. If you’ve got a severe toothache that prevents you from enjoying your trip, see a dentist.

Broken fillings and crowns should be dealt with quickly, but if you’ve only got a day or two left on your trip, you may be able to get away with an over-the-counter adhesive. And if it’s just a minor ache, consider toughing it out until your return.

For more information, visit our Travel & Health category.

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