With the school summer holidays fast approaching, many of us will have holidays booked. Some may be heading for a British ‘bucket and spade’ holiday while others might be heading off to more exotic and adventurous places. The last thing that we want to think about when looking forward to our holidays is probably our teeth and gums, but a toothache or dental accident while on holiday can really put a damper on things.
In today’s blog then, our Blake Dental team takes a look at some of the things to consider before you go on holiday and while you are there. We hope that you find this useful.
If you have recently had a checkup at our Witham dental clinic and have experienced no issues since, you are most likely good to go. If you have one coming up soon, perhaps when you get back from your holiday, it is probably worth seeing if you can bring it forward before you go. This applies especially if you are experiencing any issues or are perhaps travelling to an area where dental provision might be poor. A small tooth cavity can quickly be filled before you go, but if left, a painful toothache could spoil your holiday.
We never expect anything to go wrong with our teeth on holiday, but it does happen. Accidents or other unexpected problems can mean trying to arrange treatment while you are there. Do check your travel insurance to make sure that you are covered for any dental related costs while you are away.
A holiday is a good opportunity to treat you and the family to new toothbrushes. Far too many of us use the same brush or electric head for far too long until the bristles are ineffective. New bristles every three months should enable them to do their job properly. Also make sure to stock up on your favourite toothpaste and floss, especially if you are travelling abroad where they might not be available.
If you do encounter a dental issue while you are away, and especially in more rural areas abroad, you might feel nervous about having any treatment where you are. We are happy for you to contact us for advice on this. We may be able to offer advice that allows you to wait until you return home, booking your appointment ready for when you get back, or, where the problem is more urgent, we may recommend that you seek help locally.
These are available from chemists and contain the basics to fill a tooth if painful toothaches arise or a filling drops out. These should only be used where no professional help is available, such as in the middle of a jungle etc. It is important to remember that these are only temporary solutions and if you do have to use one, you should arrange an appointment at Blake Dental to have the tooth refilled when you return home. Any gaps left while applying the filling itself can allow bacteria to enter and cause further issues otherwise.
You are there to relax and have a good time. After all, we all need a break from time to time. Inevitably, this means abandoning some of the more routine things that we do when at home. This should not include neglecting looking after your teeth and gums.
You may feel tired after a long day, especially in the sun, or may have had one drink too many, but please, whatever you do, make sure to brush your teeth before going to bed, and floss too ideally. Skipping this too often can soon lead to problems like decay and gum disease. It only takes a few minutes each day to brush your teeth both morning and evening, and the same applies to your children too, no matter how tired they might be.
Especially if you are going somewhere hot, make sure to stay well hydrated with plenty of water. Not only will this help to prevent heat related problems but will keep your mouth moist and also help to wash away food debris. Becoming dehydrated can lead to a dry mouth and as you probably already know from previous blogs, this makes gum disease more likely.
As far as food and drinks go, most of us will probably let ourselves go a bit on what we eat and drink. Keep in mind though, that excessive sugar, alcohol and acidic drinks can all have a negative effect on your teeth and gums.
On your return, make sure that you have a check up booked with us, and if not, give us a call to arrange one. If you have any issues while on holiday, even minor ones which you chose to ignore at the time, don’t overlook these and make sure to have them checked. Even minor issues can worsen quite quickly and it is always better to have them looked at by a dentist.
To make any appointments or to discuss any teeth or gum issues you might have, please do call our Witham dental practice so that we can help you. Our phone number is 01376 501688.
Happy holidays!
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Katie Annabel Blake trading as Blake Dental is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Financing First Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Katie Annabel Blake is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Financing First Limited may not be so authorised and regulated.
