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Summer is a time for fun, adventure, relaxation, and vacations, but tooth decay and gum disease won’t go on holiday just because you do. While relaxing by the beach or exploring a national landmark can certainly be an enriching and centering experience, the sudden onset of a preventable toothache will surely wreck the whole outing and require immediate treatment that eats into your relaxation time. Here’s why you should schedule a visit at your dentist’s office before leaving for your vacation this summer.
Tooth Decay Is an Insidious Threat
If you think that you can tell that your teeth are perfectly healthy and free of infections just by looking at them, think again. Tooth decay is often present in areas that are hard to spot such as between or in the back of the teeth or below the gumline. It takes a professional eye to recognize tooth decay in its early stages, and allowing it to progress can lead to a nasty toothache.
Many severely painful toothaches result from the infection reaching the pulp at the center of the tooth, making a root canal necessary. These toothaches have a horrible tendency to strike at the worst possible moment, such as when you’re cramming for an important test, trying to prepare for an important meeting, or when you are driving through the middle of nowhere on your way to your vacation destination. Treating the problem early is much cheaper and more pleasant than suffering through this painful ordeal.
How a Visit to Your Dentist Can Help
By scheduling a dental visit before you hit the road for your summer vacation, you can begin your journey with the peace of mind that comes with a clean bill of dental health as well as a pretty smile that will look great in photographs. Booking your appointment a few weeks beforehand will ensure that you have enough time to receive any necessary restorative treatments before you leave for your trip.
How Can I Prepare for a Dental Emergency While on Vacation?
Even if you have a dental appointment before your vacation, a dental emergency such as a dislodged tooth can still happen. It’s a great idea to research emergency dentists around your destination or ask your dentist at home for a recommendation. You can even ask your home dentist to establish a line of communication with the vacation dentist so they can exchange documents. If you’re going on an adventure vacation like mountain biking, you may want to bring a few tooth preservation kits that can keep a dislodged tooth in savable condition for twenty-four hours.
With the right precautions, you can maximize your chances of having a fun and complication-free vacation. Seeing your dentist during the month before you leave is a great way to start your trip the right way.
About the Author
Dr. John H. Upton, Jr, earned his dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry and takes postgraduate coursework to stay up to date with the latest developments in the dental field. He is proud to be a member of the Arizona Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. His office in Glendale, AZ, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To book an appointment, contact his office online or dial (623) 878-6333.