Going on holiday soon?
You have probably thought about your flights, hotel, clothes, money and what you want to do when you arrive.
But have you thought about your teeth?
Toothache on vacation can turn a relaxing trip into a stressful one, especially when you are away from your usual dentist.
The good news is that a few simple steps before and during your trip can help you look after your teeth and reduce the chances of an unexpected dental problem.
Why Can Dental Problems Start While You Are Travelling?
Dental problems do not always appear out of nowhere.
Sometimes there are already warning signs that we have been ignoring.
A tooth that occasionally hurts, gums that bleed, sensitivity to cold drinks or an old filling that feels uncomfortable may all be reasons to have your mouth checked.
Toothache can be caused by problems such as:
- Tooth decay
- Dental infection
- Cracked teeth
- Gum disease
- Damaged fillings
Travelling does not cause all of these problems, but being away from home can make dealing with them more difficult.
8 Simple Ways to Avoid Toothache on Vacation
1. Get a Dental Check-Up Before You Travel
If you already have tooth pain, sensitivity or another dental concern, consider seeing your dentist before travelling.
A check-up gives your dentist an opportunity to identify problems that may need attention.
This is particularly useful if you are going on a long trip or will be away from home for several weeks.
If you are in Lagos and need a check-up before travelling, you can book an appointment with Smilesdotcom Dental Clinic.
Smilesdotcom currently offers appointment booking for both its Lekki and Gbagada centres.
2. Don’t Ignore Small Warning Signs
That little pain that comes and goes?
Don’t automatically assume it will stay little.
Toothache that continues for more than two days should be assessed by a dentist, according to NHS guidance.
The same applies to symptoms such as swelling, pain when biting or a bad taste in your mouth.
Sorting out the problem before your holiday is usually easier than dealing with it while travelling.
If you have already been experiencing tooth pain, you may also want to read our guide on toothache relief and why painkillers are not enough for dental emergencies.
3. Keep Brushing Twice a Day
Travelling does not mean your oral hygiene routine should go on holiday too.
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
If you are changing hotels or moving around frequently, keep your toothbrush and toothpaste somewhere easy to access.
Regular brushing helps remove plaque and supports healthy teeth and gums.
Maintaining your normal oral hygiene routine is one of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of dental problems while travelling.
4. Clean Between Your Teeth
Food can easily get stuck between your teeth, especially when you are eating out more often.
Continue cleaning between your teeth with floss or an appropriate interdental cleaner.
This is particularly important if you are travelling for several days or weeks.
Keeping your teeth and gums clean can help support good oral health throughout your trip.
5. Be Careful With Sugary Snacks and Drinks
Holiday mode can mean more soft drinks, sweets, desserts and snacks.
Enjoy yourself, but try not to spend the entire day constantly sipping sugary drinks or eating sugary snacks.
Frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay.
If you do enjoy something sweet, having it around mealtimes rather than repeatedly throughout the day can be kinder to your teeth.
You do not need to avoid every holiday treat. The key is to avoid turning the entire day into one long snack session.
6. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
This one sounds obvious, but it happens.
Don’t use your teeth to:
- Open bottles
- Tear packaging
- Cut plastic
- Crack nuts
- Open bags
A cracked or chipped tooth can quickly become a painful problem.
And nobody wants to spend their holiday looking for a dentist because they used their teeth as a bottle opener.
If you do chip or damage a tooth, getting professional dental advice is important.
7. Don’t Ignore Tooth Sensitivity
If hot, cold or sweet foods regularly cause a sharp pain, don’t simply avoid the food and assume everything is fine.
Tooth sensitivity can have different causes, including:
- Tooth decay
- Worn enamel
- Gum recession
- Cracked or damaged teeth
- Old dental fillings
Smilesdotcom has a detailed guide explaining what tooth sensitivity really means.
If sensitivity keeps returning, consider having the cause investigated before travelling.
8. Pack a Small Dental Travel Kit
Your holiday packing list probably already has clothes, toiletries and chargers.
Add your dental essentials too.
Consider packing:
- Toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Floss or interdental cleaner
- Any dentist-recommended products
- A small toothbrush cover or travel case
If you take prescribed medication for a dental condition, follow your dentist’s or doctor’s instructions about bringing and using it.
A few simple dental essentials can save you from having to search for basic oral-care products when you arrive at your destination.
What If You Develop Toothache While Travelling?
If you develop toothache on vacation, don’t automatically assume you need to wait until you get home.
The right action depends on the cause and severity of the problem.
For temporary pain while waiting for dental care, NHS guidance includes using appropriate pain relief, eating softer foods and avoiding foods or drinks that are very hot, cold or sweet.
However, pain relief is not a replacement for dental treatment when the underlying problem needs treatment.
A dental abscess, for example, requires treatment by a dentist and will not simply disappear on its own.
If you develop significant pain or swelling while travelling, seek appropriate dental care rather than simply trying to manage the symptoms until your return.
What Dental Problems Should You Not Ignore Before a Holiday?
Before you travel, consider getting dental advice if you have:
- Persistent toothache
- Pain when biting
- Tooth sensitivity that keeps returning
- A broken or cracked tooth
- A loose filling or crown
- Swollen gums
- Facial or jaw swelling
- A persistent bad taste
- Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums can also be a sign of gum inflammation or gum disease.
If you have noticed this recently, read our guide on 7 signs of bleeding gums that you shouldn’t ignore.
What If You Have a Dental Problem Before Your Flight?
Don’t panic.
Book a dental assessment and explain that you are travelling.
Your dentist can examine the problem and advise you on the appropriate next step.
Depending on what they find, treatment may be recommended before your trip, or you may simply need advice on managing the condition while you travel.
The important thing is to know what you are dealing with.
If you are travelling from Lagos and need a dental assessment before your trip, you can book an appointment with Smilesdotcom.
When Should You Seek Urgent Dental Care?
Don’t wait until your holiday if you have severe tooth pain or significant swelling.
A dental abscess can cause intense pain, swelling, sensitivity, fever and difficulty chewing.
You should seek urgent dental attention if you have severe or persistent pain, facial swelling, fever or other signs of infection.
If swelling makes it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak, seek emergency medical care immediately.
For additional information about toothache and when to seek dental care, see the NHS guidance on toothache.
Enjoy Your Holiday Without the Unwanted Toothache Guest
Your holiday should be about enjoying yourself, seeing new places, spending time with family and making good memories.
A little preparation before you travel can help you avoid an unnecessary dental problem while you are away.
So, before you check your passport and start packing your bags, take a moment to think about your teeth too.
If something has been bothering you, don’t wait until you’re on holiday to deal with it.
At Smilesdotcom Dental Clinic, we provide dental care in Lagos, with clinics in Lekki and Gbagada.
If you have a dental concern before travelling, book a dental check-up and give yourself one less thing to worry about.
Call or WhatsApp: +234 901 314 0324
