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Dental Emergency?!
No one ever plans on having a dental emergency, especially while on vacation! Whether you are traveling for fun or for work it’s important to know what you can do if one pops up on your itinerary. Palo Alto dentist, Dr. Hansen have some tips that can ensure you are prepared for common dental accidents.
- Research: Any small accident or issue can develop into an emergency if left untreated, so your first step in preparing for potential dental travel emergencies is to research the area for local same-day or emergency dentists, should your require urgent care.
- Toothache: A toothache is often a sign of infection in or around a tooth and is a very common dental emergency. Make sure to pack some Tylenol or aspirin to help in comforting the pain. If the pain becomes severe, lasts for longer than 24 hours or if you see signs of swelling, contact a local emergency dentist promptly.
- Chipped or fractured tooth: After a tooth is chipped or cracked rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to combat potential swelling. If you break a tooth you should eat only soft foods and try to avoid food and drink that are hot and cold to the touch for the remained of your trip. If the fracture is painful or if swelling lasts longer than 24 hours contact a local urgent care dentist.
- Adult tooth falls out: If a permanent adult tooth is knocked out you will need to go directly to an emergency dentist. While in route try to place the tooth back in place and hold it there. If that’s not impossible, take care to not touch the root of the dislodged tooth and put the tooth in a container of milk or water if milk is not available. The likelihood of saving the tooth decreases after about 30 minutes so immediate response is crucial.
- Tongue or lip laceration: Biting or lacerating your tongue or lip may cause inflammation and possible bleeding. Use ice or pressure to control the swelling or bleeding, and any swelling should subside within twenty-four hours. If bleeding or swelling persists or pain is severe contact a local emergency dentist immediately.
Most importantly, visit Palo Alto dentist, Dr. Hansen before your trip! Coordinating one of your bi-annual dental visits with your travel plans will allow for you to voice any concerns you might have, and Dr. Jurash or Dr. Hansen can look for any signs of issues that could interrupt your plans. Not getting a check-up before your trip can allow problems to go undiagnosed and lead to bigger, more complicated dental emergency that could ruin travel plans.
Planning your next adventure? Call Palo Alto dentist, Dr. Hansen at 650-326-3290 to schedule a check-up today!
