Summer has arrived, and you’ve earned the right to “let your hair down” and enjoy some vacation time. Nothing can be worse than a dental emergency suddenly arising. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to decrease the chances of one occurring. Continue reading to learn what you can do to prevent dental emergencies that could ruin your summer.
#1 – Step Up Your Water Intake
With the sun beaming brightly in the summer, it’s of even greater importance to drink more water so you can stay hydrated. Along with helping to regulate your body temperature and the function of your vital organs, water plays an integral role in your oral health. The more you drink, the better your chances of preventing the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria that can quickly turn into plaque. That’s because drinking an adequate amount of water contributes to your body’s saliva production.
As a general rule, be sure to drink at least half your weight in ounces of water. For example, a 250-pound person would need to drink around 125 ounces of water to be properly hydrated.
#2 – Swim with Care
It’s only natural to flock to swimming pools during the summer months. As the number of people swimming increases during this time of the year, so do the pool-related accidents.
Because children are especially at-risk of injuries, they need to be extra careful. They should be reminded not to run on slippery pool decks, to avoid diving into shallow pools and surface carefully when underwater.
#3 – Pack an Emergency Dental Kit
Even with the best efforts to prevent a dental emergency, there is always a slim chance of one occurring. Because of this, it’s best to be as prepared as possible by packing an emergency dental kit.
Here are some of the items you should include:
- Cotton gauze
- A handkerchief
- Saline solution
- A small container with a lid
- Gum numbing medication (Orajel)
- Over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve or Motrin)
- The contact information (office number and email address) of your dentist
#4 – Pay Your Dentist a Visit
Before heading away on vacation, it’s a good idea to schedule a preventive dental visit. In addition to having your teeth thoroughly cleaned, you’ll receive a complete oral examination. Therefore, you can be made aware of any developing issues and have them treated.
By being proactive, you can more comfortably enjoy your vacation and greatly decrease the chances of having to contact an emergency dentist in Fayetteville.
About the Author
Dr. Marley Rinoldo earned her dental degree from the State University of New York Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. With nearly a decade of experience in the dental world, she remains an active learner, taking several hours of continuing education annually. While Dr. Rinoldo encourages her patients to take advantage of preventive care, she is also proficient in treating dental emergencies. She practices at Lyndon Family Dental, and she can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through her website.