Picture this: A serene afternoon by the pool. The sun is shining, the kids are giggling, and relaxation begins to finally grip you after a long day of fun activities. It would be a shame if something were to happen now to take you away from the fold-out chair you’ve perched yourself upon.
But you’ve made a plan and can rest easy knowing that you’ve prepared for dental emergencies. Not where you thought that was going to go?
The scene could have ended another way without the tips below—screaming kids, a sudden shot of pain in your gums, or an irritated spouse who won’t stop rubbing their cheek—so continue reading to keep your peace of mind and avoid unpleasant summer surprises.
1. Schedule a Preventive Dentist Visit
One of the most sure-fire ways to avoid a sudden trip to your dentist is to go before your outing begins. Making an appointment for your family before going on vacation might be a little stressful, but it’s nothing compared to the stress of a dental emergency, should one occur.
Your dentist can perform a screening to look for problems before they arise on the road. While this can’t account for accidents that may happen later, you’ll be able to take sneaky cavities and infected gums off your list of worries.
2. Make Safety for Sports Mandatory
Summer sports like swimming and soccer are some of the most popular activities for families to do during their vacations, but they can also be one of the greatest sources of dental distress. Slipping by the pool, getting hit with a ball, or running into another person could easily lead to chipped or broken teeth.
Talk over a safety plan with your family when it comes to sports and get everyone to agree to it. In addition, you may consider picking up a mouthguard for your kids to wear if they’re going to be playing a lot.
3. Pack a Dental Emergency Kit
Even if you take every precaution and do everything right, accidents happen. In a situation where you’re on the road or need to buy time until you can get your family to the dentist, a fully stocked dental emergency kit can help. Here are some items to include:
- A Card with your dentist’s phone number
- Gauze
- A few handkerchiefs
- Some saline solution
- A small container with a lid
With these items, you’ll be able to call the dentist, stop bleeding, wash away debris, and hold on to lost teeth or objects while you rush to the dentist’s office.
4. Fuel Up with Healthy Snacks
There are many delightful treats available during the summer. While you don’t have to stop eating them altogether, it’s best to try to take a moderated approach to sugary foods.
Just because you’re holding back from sugary or acidic snacks like candy, cookies, sports drinks, and sodas doesn’t mean you have to eat bland food the whole time. Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables can be delicious and invigorating, while snacks high in calcium like yogurt or cheese are generally a smash hit with kids.
5. Stay Hydrated for Dental Health
During the summer when the weather is warmer, you’ll sweat more often and lose hydration more quickly, decreasing the amount of saliva in your mouth. Drinking water is an easy way to replenish your supply and keep your teeth protected.
Saliva has natural antimicrobial properties, helping protect teeth from infection-causing bacteria. It also helps neutralize acid in food and wash away food particles that may get stuck in your teeth.
Following these tips won’t stop unforeseen circumstances from halting your vacation, but they will prepare you against the most common and preventable situations that may arise while you’re enjoying the summer. Always remember that prevention equals peace of mind.
About the Author
At Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry, Dr. Praveena Muddana and Dr. Sumit Chanana take pride in their compassionate approach to modern dentistry. Dr. Praveena holds two degrees from Narayana Dental College and the NYU College of Dentistry. She is also a proud member in the American Dental Association. Dr. Chanana earned his degree from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and continues to keep his skills sharp through continuing education. To schedule a cleaning, or learn about other services they provide, visit their website here or call (262) 672-2393.