Have you ever planned a holiday for months, booked your flight, sorted your hotel and packed your bags, only for a toothache before vacation to suddenly appear?
That small pain you have been ignoring can become a serious inconvenience when you are far from home.
Tooth pain can make it difficult to eat, sleep and enjoy your normal activities. More importantly, it can be a sign of an underlying dental problem that needs treatment.
If you have noticed pain, sensitivity, swelling or another unusual symptom before your trip, it may be better to have it checked before you travel.
Why Should You Deal With Toothache Before Vacation?
A toothache before vacation is not something you should automatically ignore until you return home.
Tooth pain can have several causes, including:
- Tooth decay
- Dental infection
- A cracked tooth
- Gum disease
- A damaged filling
- An impacted tooth
Some dental problems can become worse if they are left untreated.
For example, a dental abscess is an infection that requires treatment from a dentist and will not simply disappear on its own.
If you already have tooth pain before travelling, getting it assessed gives you an opportunity to identify and address the underlying problem before you leave.
7 Signs You Should See a Dentist Before Travelling
1. Your Tooth Has Been Hurting Repeatedly
Maybe the pain comes and goes.
Perhaps it only happens when you eat something sweet, cold or hot.
Even if the pain disappears after a while, repeated tooth pain is worth checking.
The NHS recommends seeing a dentist if toothache lasts for more than two days or does not go away with painkillers.
If you are experiencing toothache before vacation, particularly if it keeps returning, arrange a dental assessment before travelling.
2. Your Tooth Hurts When You Eat or Drink
Does your tooth hurt when you drink cold water or enjoy a hot cup of tea?
Sensitivity can have several causes, including:
- Tooth decay
- Worn enamel
- Gum recession
- A damaged tooth
If this has been happening repeatedly, a dental check-up before your trip may be worthwhile.
For more information, read our guide on what tooth sensitivity really means.
Identifying the cause of sensitivity can help prevent you from dealing with worsening discomfort while travelling.
3. You Have Pain When You Bite
Does one tooth hurt when you bite down?
Pain when biting can occur with different dental problems, including damage to the tooth or infection.
It is better to find out what is causing the pain before you travel rather than spending part of your holiday looking for an emergency dentist.
4. Your Face or Jaw Is Swollen
Swelling around your tooth, gums, jaw or face should not be ignored.
It can sometimes be associated with a dental infection or abscess.
A dental abscess can cause symptoms such as:
- Intense toothache
- Swelling
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
- Difficulty chewing
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Fever
A dental abscess needs prompt dental treatment and does not simply go away on its own.
If you have significant swelling before travelling, seek urgent dental care rather than waiting until after your holiday.
5. You Have a Bad Taste in Your Mouth
Have you noticed a strange or unpleasant taste that keeps coming back?
When it occurs alongside tooth pain, swelling or other symptoms, it may be worth having the tooth examined.
A bad taste can occur with a dental abscess and other dental problems.
If you notice a persistent bad taste together with toothache before vacation, don’t simply mask the symptoms and hope they disappear.
6. Your Filling, Crown or Other Dental Work Feels Different
Maybe an old filling has started hurting.
Perhaps a crown feels loose or something feels different when you bite.
Don’t assume it will sort itself out while you’re away.
Broken or loose dental work can sometimes cause pain and may require dental attention.
Getting it checked before your trip can help you avoid an unexpected dental problem while travelling.
7. You Keep Taking Painkillers to Manage the Problem
If you need painkillers repeatedly just to get through the day, it is worth finding out why.
Painkillers may help reduce discomfort, but they do not treat the underlying causes of problems such as:
- Tooth decay
- Infection
- A damaged tooth
- A dental abscess
For a deeper explanation, read our article on why painkillers are not enough for dental emergencies.
The underlying dental problem may still require treatment.
Can You Travel With a Toothache?
It depends on what is causing the toothache and how severe it is.
A mild sensitivity may have a different cause and treatment from severe pain caused by an infection.
That is why there is no single answer for everyone.
If you already have persistent or worsening tooth pain, it is sensible to have a dentist assess the problem before travelling.
You don’t want to find yourself spending your holiday looking for an emergency dentist instead of enjoying your plans.
What Can You Do Before Your Holiday?
If you are travelling soon and have toothache before vacation, consider:
- Booking a dental check-up if you have ongoing tooth pain.
- Getting any known dental problems assessed.
- Completing recommended treatment before travelling where possible.
- Maintaining your normal brushing and flossing routine.
- Avoiding foods that trigger your pain.
- Keeping any dentist-recommended medication with you when travelling.
- Allowing enough time for any recommended treatment before your departure.
If you have a known dental problem, don’t leave it until the night before your flight.
Give yourself enough time to have it assessed and treated.
When Is Toothache an Urgent Problem?
Some dental symptoms need prompt attention.
Seek urgent dental care if you have:
- Severe or worsening tooth pain
- Significant swelling
- Fever
- Pain when biting
- A persistent bad taste
- Difficulty opening your mouth
If swelling around your mouth or neck is making it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak, seek emergency medical care immediately.
For more information about toothache and when to seek dental care, visit the NHS toothache guidance.
Make Your Dental Check-Up Part of Your Travel Plans
You probably remember to check your passport, tickets, accommodation and luggage before a holiday.
Your teeth deserve a place on that checklist too.
If you have been experiencing toothache before vacation, don’t wait until you’re away from home to find out what is causing it.
A simple dental check-up can help identify problems early and give you peace of mind before you travel.
At Smilesdotcom Dental Clinic, we provide professional dental care in Lagos, with clinics in Lekki and Gbagada.
If a tooth has been giving you warning signs, get it checked before you pack your bags.
Book a dental appointment with Smilesdotcom or call/WhatsApp +234 901 314 0324.
