Summer is here, and vacation is right around the corner! Whether you’re planning for a weekend getaway or an international excursion, going on a family trip involves making several preparations. You may think you have all the bases covered but might have overlooked a dental emergency. Luckily, taking simple precautions can prevent them from derailing your plans – here are a few to keep in mind.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
Ice cream, popsicles, and snow cones may be a tasty way to cool down during the warmer months, but they can leave a lasting mark on your smile. Limiting your family’s sugar intake can help lower the risk of developing tooth decay. Encourage healthy snacking by stocking up on healthy foods like carrots, apple slices, cheese, yogurt, and nuts. They’re nutritious and easy for kids to munch on while on the go!
Require Pool Safety
Did you know that swimming pool accidents are the leading cause of dental emergencies during summer? Running on a slippery deck can result in broken, loose, or knocked-out teeth. Diving in shallow depths or even just swimming can cause severe injuries. Before hitting the local pool, brush up on pool safety and make sure your children always follow safe practices to prevent these accidents.
Wear a Mouthguard
Aside from swimming, other sports like basketball, hiking, biking, and football can lead to serious dental emergencies if you’re not careful. Full-contact sports usually result in injuries involving broken or chipped teeth, fractured roots, and cut lips. If your family enjoys participating in these activities, require everyone to wear a mouthguard to protect their smiles. The custom-made device protects the teeth from impact and reduces the chances of severe damage.
Prepare a Dental Emergency Kit
You can take every precaution possible, and a dental emergency may still occur – they just can’t be avoided sometimes! Be prepared to handle the unexpected by keeping an oral health kit with you that includes:
- Clean handkerchiefs or towels
- Saline solutions
- Gauze
- Container with a lid
- Your dental insurance card and your dentist’s phone number (office and emergency)
Schedule Checkups
Visiting your dentist before leaving on a lengthy vacation will help you avoid complications while away. A quick checkup and exam before you depart allow your dentist to identify or treat any concerns that could be a severe problem down the road. Dental work may be expensive or hard to come by at your destination, so the last thing you want is an urgent situation in your hands.
Your family’s oral health doesn’t have to suffer at the expense of an exciting vacation! Follow these tips to enjoy every second of summer without worrying about an unexpected trip to your emergency dentist.
About the Practice
Our team at MJM Family Dentistry delivers high-quality treatment for the entire family. We go above and beyond to address several oral health issues by doing everything possible to restore your smile and confidence. We understand dental emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye, even during summer vacation. If your family is facing an urgent situation, don’t hesitate to contact us! Schedule a same-day visit via our website or call (703) 934-5540.
