Travel Guide: Dental Care While on Holiday

Holidays are for relaxing, exploring, and making memories. The last thing you want is a throbbing toothache ruining your time in the sun. However, dental emergencies don't take a vacation.

Being prepared can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a holiday-ending disaster. Whether you are trekking in the Andes or lounging in the Maldives, here is your essential guide to managing your dental health while travelling.

Pre-Travel Preparation

The best way to handle a dental emergency is to prevent it.

• **Book a Check-up:** If you haven't seen us in the last 6 months, book an exam at least 2 weeks before you fly. This gives us time to fix any silent problems (like a loose filling or early decay) before they become painful at 30,000 feet.
• **Check Your Insurance:** Does your travel insurance cover emergency dental treatment? Many standard policies have very low limits (e.g., £200) for dental care. Read the fine print.
• **Pack a Dental Kit:** Don't rely on hotel toiletries. Pack your specific brushes, floss, and interdental aids.

The Emergency Travel Kit

We recommend packing a small 'Dental First Aid' bag in your carry-on:

• **Painkillers:** Ibuprofen and Paracetamol (check they are legal in your destination).
• **Clove Oil:** A natural antiseptic that can numb tooth pain temporarily.
• **Temporary Filling Material:** Available at most pharmacies. Great for covering a lost filling or sharp broken tooth until you get home.
• **Denture Adhesive:** Even if you have implants, if you wear a removable overdenture, bring spare glue.
• **Salt:** For warm saltwater rinses (the best disinfectant).

Flying with Toothache

Air pressure changes in the cabin can cause trapped air pockets in teeth (e.g., under an old filling or in an abscess) to expand. This is called **Barodontalgia** or 'Tooth Squeeze'.

It can cause excruciating pain during takeoff and landing. If you feel twinges before your flight, see us immediately. Do not fly with a known abscess if possible.

Common Emergencies & What To Do

1. Toothache

Rinse with warm salty water to clean out debris. Floss gently to ensure no food is trapped. Take painkillers. Avoid hot/cold drinks. If swelling appears, you need antibiotics—seek a local dentist.

2. Lost Crown or Veneer

Keep the crown! Clean the inside. If it fits back in without force, you can use denture adhesive or temporary cement (from a pharmacy) to hold it in place. **Do not use superglue** (it is toxic and damages the tooth).

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

This is a critical emergency. Hold it by the crown (white part), rinse in milk (do not scrub), and try to reinsert it. If you can't, store it in milk or inside your cheek and get to a dentist within 60 minutes.

4. Broken Orthodontic Wire

If a wire is stabbing your cheek, cover the sharp end with orthodontic wax (or a small ball of cotton wool/chewing gum in a pinch).

Finding a Dentist Abroad

Not all dental standards are the same worldwide. To find a safe clinic:

• **Ask your Concierge:** High-end hotels often have vetted lists of English-speaking doctors.
• **Check the Embassy:** The British Embassy often keeps a list of medical providers.
• **IAMAT:** The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers lists reputable clinics.

**Tip:** Ask for a 'stabilizing treatment only'. Do not start complex work (like root canals or crowns) abroad unless absolutely necessary. Patch it up, and let us finish the job properly when you return to London.

Expert Review

Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi

Principal Dentist and Clinical Director | GDC: 195843

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Travel with peace of mind. Schedule a quick exam before your next trip to ensure your smile is flight-ready.