Toothache While Traveling Here Are 6 Tips On How to Deal With It

April 08, 2021, ekdantamclinic

Toothaches are unbearable. Whatever be the reason behind them, the pain in your teeth is always difficult to deal with. And the fact that the aching can start without any prior warning makes things even more difficult, especially when you’re traveling. Toothaches can ruin your entire trip and thus, you need to know how to deal with them.

To help you out, here are 6 tips on how to handle toothaches while traveling.

#1 Getting a checkup before departing

The best way to deal with a toothache is to prevent it in the first place. If you’ve had dental surgery recently or have been struggling with toothache for quite some time now, you should go for a checkup before you leave.

Your dentist can look into your problems and provide you with the necessary suggestions. If the problem is anything severe, they might ask you to get some treatment before you depart. Whatever they suggest, it’s recommended that you follow it so that you don’t have to deal with toothaches during your trip.

#2 Traveling prepared

If you have recurring cases of dental problems, you should prepare yourself accordingly before leaving for the trip. Carry aspirin and ibuprofen with you to numb the pain. Pack a mouthwash as well. Apart from all this, you should also carry your regular dental hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, etc.).

#3 Avoiding cold weather

Cold winds and temperatures can increase the pain in your gums and teeth, especially if they’re sensitive or have cracks or cavities in them. The cold air can enter through these openings and cause intense pain. Hence, you should avoid the cold as much as you can.

Before you go outdoors, be sure to check the temperatures and weather forecasts for the day. Try tomorrow.io and its intelligence weather forecasting systems to get accurate weather updates. Keep the temperature and wind speed in check, and avoid going out if they’re too much for your teeth to handle.

#4 Avoiding certain types of food

Chewing or biting on hard food can worsen your toothache. Such food items can put pressure on your teeth, which in turn will lead to an increase in pain. Avoid items like nuts, chocolates, red meat, popcorn, cereals, etc. Also, avoid biting directly into a fruit without cutting it into small pieces first. Even while consuming regular food, try to chew slowly.

You should also avoid cold and extremely hot types of food. Given that you’re having a toothache (and probably other dental problems), there’s a chance that the sensitivity in your teeth has increased. Hence, consuming cold food or beverages will make you feel uncomfortable. Hot and spicy food, on the other hand, will irritate your gums and make your teeth hurt even more.

#5 Surviving on medication

Taking the right measures will help you numb the toothache to some extent and give you temporary relief. It all depends on how you deal with it and what type of medication you use.

Take aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if the toothache is minor. Dentists will usually recommend ibuprofen (Advil) to deal with toothaches. However, don’t give it to kids under the age of 16.

Numbing gels that contain benzocaine are also known to be effective against toothaches.

Their effects also last longer and can help you fall asleep even when you’re having troubles with your teeth. Avoid using them on kids under the age of 2, however.

If you didn’t bring them with you or can’t find any of these drugs where you’re staying, at least look for a mouthwash. They contain alcohol that can disinfect your teeth and help numb the pain. If mouthwash isn’t available either, get an ice pack and hold it against the painful side of your mouth. This will also help dull the pain, but not make it completely go away.

In case you’re looking for alternatives to the drugs mentioned above, or want to run a general inquiry before taking them, you should consult the nearest doctor or pharmacist in your location.

#6 Consulting a dentist

If the toothache takes a turn for the worst and the situation becomes unbearable for you, you must consult with a dentist immediately. Ask around for the nearest dental clinic or look it up online. Make an appointment as early as you can and go see the dentist. If possible, you should book an emergency dental appointment and visit the clinic right away.

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