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Those of us living with lifelong medical conditions or disabilities know this well: medical emergencies don’t know you are on holiday! And while being faced with a medical emergency while traveling can be inconvenient (not to mention scary), staying safe and healthy abroad is possible with the right knowledge and preparation.
One especially common hiccup is the sudden appearance of a dental problem while on vacation. From broken fillings to misbehaving dental implants, and worst of all: intense toothache, these can put a damper on any trip abroad. But fear not – most of these issues can be temporarily fixed, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your holiday before going back home to seek treatment.
In this article, we’ll run through some common dental emergencies experienced by travellers and tips on how to address them, as well as information on how to take care of your dental health and access dental services away from home.
Are you ready to find out more? Then let’s dive in!
What Are Some Common Dental Problems Faced By Travellers?
1. Lost Filling or Crown
It is surprisingly common for crowns and fillings to break or fall off while travelling. Crowns, though sturdy, aren’t designed to last a lifetime and can unexpectedly detach—sometimes as easily as biting into something! Fillings can also often fall out due to wear and tear or issues such as tooth decay and injuries to your mouth.
Sometimes, the tooth supporting a crown breaks off with the crown still attached. This leaves a small, unfixable stump in your mouth. Alternatively, a crown or filling can simply de-bond, meaning the cement holding it has weakened. This is a slightly better situation since the supporting tooth remains intact, allowing for the crown to be reattached or new filling to be added to the tooth.
Temporary fixes such as dental repair kits can allow you to continue enjoying your holiday – just make sure to book a dentist appointment as soon as you get back home!
2. Broken Or Chipped Tooth
Breaking or chipping a tooth is also an incredibly common issue that travellers of all ages can run into. Accidents and falls, crunching down on hard foods at the wrong angle, or using your teeth as tools to open bottle caps and packages can all lead to a piece of your tooth detaching – particularly if your teeth are weakened by decay or dental work.
Don’t panic, however! If you find the broken piece of tooth, make sure to save it as a dentist may be able to reattach it. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water and apply a cool compress to the broken tooth to stop any bleeding. Then, seek dentistry treatment as soon as possible.
3. Toothache
Tooth pain can range from a dull ache to a throbbing pain that affects your sleep and daily activities.
To alleviate the pain, taking painkillers is your best bet, particularly anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen you can also supplement with paracetamol, tooth gel, and antimicrobial medications which can help tackle infection. Remember to avoid eating with the painful tooth to prevent further irritation. While there’s not much else you can do to ease a toothache on the go, it’s important to see your dentist when you return home to address the root cause.
Finally, if your toothache is accompanied by a high temperature, swelling, red gums, or a bad taste in your mouth, see a dentist as soon as possible.
4. Dental Abscess
An abscess is an infection of the tooth, and it is usually characterised by swelling (either on the gum near your tooth, cheek, or face) and varying degrees of pain. If you find yourself facing an abscess while on holiday, start by taking painkillers and antibiotics – see a dentist for a prescription. Pharmacists can also sometimes provide you with antibiotics.
Ideally, a dentist should drain the abscess to release the trapped pus and reduce the bacterial buildup inside the swelling. While this procedure should typically be performed by a qualified dental professional and we do not recommend attempting to deal with it at home, Dr Shane Khaki provided us with some tips on how to drain an abscess yourself if no other option is available – find out more in his guest article here.
Find out more about dealing with a dental emergency while traveling in this article:
5 Common Dental Problems While Travelling Abroad And How To Fix Them (Dentist-Approved!)
How To Handle Dental Emergencies Abroad
How To Stop Tooth Pain Fast
First things first: let’s talk about how to cope with toothache.
In the first instance, you may want to try a salt water rinse. Salt is a natural antibacterial, meaning it can help reduce inflammation and protect your teeth from becoming infected. Simply mix a spoonful of salt into warm water and slowly swish the solution around your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds before gently spitting it out. You can repeat this process three to four times per day.
Over the counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can also help alleviate pain in your teeth. Be sure to stay within the recommended dose as indicated on the packaging and do not take painkillers for more than a few days in a row. Medicated ointments containing benzocaine (such as Orajel) can be used to numb the sore area. These can usually be applied up to four or five times per day and can be used in conjunction with pain medication for effective relief.
If you prefer more natural remedies, cloves and clove oil are a tried and tested way to relieve tooth pain if it is the gums that are sore – in fact, cloves have been used for centuries as a toothache remedy! The most effective way is to use clove essential oil. Mix a few drops with a food safe carrier oil such as olive or coconut, then soak a cotton ball or cotton bud in the mixture and hold it gently against the affected tooth or gum. Alternatively, make a paste out of ground cloves and water and gently apply it to the affected tooth, or gently suck or chew on a single clove. Peppermint essential oil [link to the best essential oils artcile] or garlic can also be used for their antibacterial properties.
If your tooth pain is severe and does not go away with over the counter medications or natural remedies, see a dentist for advice on stronger painkillers.
How To Access Emergency Dental Treatment Abroad
Finding an emergency dentist in an unfamiliar location can be particularly stressful – especially if you’re in pain and worrying about potential infections! The first step should be making sure your travel insurance covers dental emergencies. If not, you may still be able to access treatment, however it could potentially be very costly.
Search for a local dental office and give them a call as soon as possible. If you do not speak the local language, ask your hotel’s front desk for support. If no dentists are open (whether it’s a Sunday, a national holiday or the middle of the night), you may be able to find an emergency clinic or hospital department capable of dealing with dental emergencies. Depending on your location, travelling dentists may also be available and can come directly to you.
Once you have located a suitable dental clinic or emergency hospital, head to their office and be sure to let the dentist in charge know about your pre-existing medical conditions (use our free Medical Alert Translation Letter for ease of communication), as well as any medications you are currently taking, allergies, and contraindications. Don’t forget to ask your dentist if it is safe to fly after treatment as you may be in pain or require rest after the procedure.
Summary on Dental Emergency While Traveling
Medical emergencies don’t wait for holidays, and dental issues can disrupt your travel plans unexpectedly. Whether it’s a lost filling, a broken tooth, an intense toothache, or a painful abscess, knowing how to manage these situations abroad can make all the difference – so make sure to prepare ahead of time and take out a solid travel insurance policy to cover any dentistry.
Accessing emergency dental care abroad should be feasible – just make sure your travel insurance policy covers it, or it may end up costing you a small fortune. Be prepared with essential medical information and communicate clearly about your condition and any medications to ensure you can be taken care of safely.
And remember – focusing on your oral health, whether at home or away, is essential to living a toothache-free life and taking care of your smile!
Do you have experience accessing emergency dental care abroad, or tips on how to care for your teeth? Let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions on Dental Emergency While Traveling
Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Travel?
Did you book a trip to the dentist just before your holiday? Careful – dental work and flying don’t go together well! Certain dental conditions or treatments (like an unfinished root canal, tooth decay, or abscess) can create pockets of trapped gas, which can lead to discomfort or pain during your flight. To avoid this situation arising, speak to your dentist ahead of your flight for advice.
What If I Have A Tooth Infection While Traveling?
If you’re due to fly in a few days but are currently dealing with an infected tooth, speak to your dentist before your trip. They can help you to get the right medication, particularly antibiotics. Pack pain relievers and maintain good oral hygiene in the air and at your destination by brushing and flossing regularly, staying hydrated, and avoiding foods that could irritate the infection.
Is It OK To Fly with A Gum Infection?
Flying with a tooth abscess or a gum infection can be very uncomfortable and may potentially worsen your condition due to changes in cabin pressure – while it’s not life-threatening, it’s best to consult your dentist before your flight. They can provide advice tailored to your specific situation and may recommend treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms and ensure a more comfortable journey.
Can You Go To The Hospital For Tooth Pain?
Tooth pain is not usually severe enough to warrant a trip to the hospital – instead, speak to your dentist for information and support. However, you should go to Accident and Emergency if your tooth pain is accompanied by swelling in the area around your eye or your neck, and if swelling is making it difficult for you to breathe or speak.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Dental Emergency?
While dental insurance is usually separate from medical insurance at home, many travel insurance policies cover dental emergencies. This will usually include pain relief and emergency procedures such as fillings, extractions and temporary crowns. Cosmetic dentistry such as whitening, braces or veneers, however, is usually not covered by travel insurance. Before taking out your travel insurance, look for specific mention of dental treatment in the policy and speak to the insurance company if you need more information.
Does EHIC Card Cover Emergency Dental Treatment?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides access to medical care during a temporary stay in an EU country, (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), includes emergency dental treatment when it is deemed medically necessary. However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on the country and the medical system in place there. Please note that the EHIC also does not cover private healthcare or additional costs such as cosmetic dentistry, so make sure to take out travel insurance to cover any gaps!