Have you had dental work done? Do you also travel for business or for fun? With a bit of planning, traveling with dental work doesn’t have to be stressful. Your particular preparation will depend on your dental needs. But let’s talk about some general tips and strategies to get you started, especially if you have braces, veneers, or implants:
- Pack a dental kit with floss, a toothbrush (with cover), toothpaste, wax, and mouthwash.
- Bring your dentist’s contact information and after-hours emergency number.
- Pack needed supplies like retainers, cleaning tablets, and special brushes.
- Look up dental services at your destination before you leave.
- Find out if your travel insurance covers dental emergencies.
- Avoid hard, sticky foods that might damage your dental work.
- Stay hydrated! It’s easy to forget water when you’re on the road.
Pack Smart; Be Prepared
Taking a little time to think through possible dental needs and emergencies can save a lot of time and hassle when on the road. Brandon learned this lesson the hard way. Two days into a business trip in Spain, he found a highly-rated restaurant and was enjoying dinner near the city square. Unfortunately, he bit into something hard and dislodged a bracket on his braces, which started cutting into his mouth.
Without wax in his travel kit, Brandon spent the rest of the trip miserable as the loose bracket dug painfully into his mouth. He’ll never make the same mistake again.
A travel dental kit might also include a water flosser or floss threaders for dental implants and braces, and backup retainers if needed. People with dentures should bring cleaning tablets and extra adhesive. For people with veneers, bring non-abrasive toothpaste, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and alcohol-free mouthwash. Make sure to carry your dental kit in your carry-on bag so you’ll still have it if your luggage is delayed or lost.
Handling Dental Emergencies Away From Home
Even with the most careful planning, emergencies happen. Save your dentist’s emergency contact information in your phone before you leave. Contact your dental team immediately if a dental emergency strikes.
Most hotels can recommend local dental services. But it’s best to research options beforehand if possible. It’s difficult to make good decisions in times of crisis. If you’re able, buy travel insurance that covers dental emergencies, especially for international trips.
Managing Altitude and Pressure Changes
Air pressure changes when flying can cause pain for people with recent dental work. Researchers recommend that you avoid flying for one week after most dental procedures. The minimal time requirements are as follows:
- 24 hours following a restorative treatment
- 24-48 hours following a simple extraction
- 72 hours after a nonsurgical endodontic procedure, surgical extraction, or implant placement
High altitude can also create problems for people with dental work, causing pain or aggravating old trauma. People with sinus issues may experience added pressure around upper implants or recent extractions. Here are a few tips for mitigating pain:
- Chew gum or yawn during takeoff and landing to help equalize pressure
- Bring pain relievers on your flight
- Drink lots of water (and don't think about airplane bathrooms)
Most importantly, if you’ve had dental work done recently or have concerns, contact your dentist!
Ready to Travel With Confidence?
Don’t let dental concerns cause you anxiety or limit your adventures. At Uptown Comprehensive Dentistry and Prosthodontics, Dr. John Chen, Dr. Jennifer Still, and their team can help patients in Aurora, CO, prepare for worry-free travel.
You might consider calling for a pre-trip checkup, emergency contact information, or advice about how to care for your specific dental work while you’re away. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.