USC Health Now

Keeping tabs on dental work and preparing for emergencies can prevent problems during summer getaways

July 7, 2008
by Beth Dunham

Unexpected injuries or illnesses can ruin a vacation in a heartbeat, and oral health problems are no exception.

Travelers should assess their dental health prior to their trip, says endodontist Ramon Roges, D.D.S., clinical associate professor and director of the Patient Emergency Clinic at the USC School of Dentistry.

“Especially if you will be gone for a long time, it’s a good idea to get a complete dental checkup before you go,” he says.

Anyone who recently has had or is currently having dental work done should discuss any necessary precautions with a dentist, Roges says.

For instance, patients should avoid flying during a root canal process since cabin pressure changes can cause excruciating mouth pain.

Dentists also should instruct patients on what to do in case a temporary restoration or filling comes loose, and they can help patients learn to apply an over-the-counter emergency adhesive, he adds.

Some small oral health problems can wait until the patients return home if they wish, and minor tooth pain or small mouth sores can sometimes be managed with over-the-counter topical analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, Roges says.

However, he cautions that traumatic dental injury and severe swelling or bleeding must be addressed immediately by a local dentist or oral surgeon.

“Severe swelling or bleeding could be life threatening,” he says. “And if a tooth is fractured or knocked out, the sooner the tooth is cleaned and repositioned the better, since a big infection can result if the pulp of the tooth or its periodontal ligament dries up when exposed to the air.”

Roges adds that preparing for and lessening the risk of emergency situations is critical. If a traveler participates in any contact sport, Roges encourages him or her to be fitted for a proper mouth guard beforehand and wear it at all times during play.

Travelers also should talk to hotel staff or other local residents to pinpoint nearby dental clinics or hospitals that they can visit quickly if necessary.

It’s also important for travelers to be certain that local dental professionals take great care to provide a clean and safe clinical environment, especially in a developing region, says Diane Melrose, chair of the USC School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program.

“Always look around and make sure that instruments are fully sterilized, that the dentists and hygienists wear gloves and masks, and that all other barriers are in place to prevent infection,” she says.

She also cautions that travelers should inquire about the safety of the water supply in the regions they will be visiting prior to travel, as brushing teeth with dirty water can place a person at risk for a waterborne illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer information on specific countries, as well as tips on how to disinfect water, on their Travelers’ Health Web site at wwwn.cdc.gov/travel.

Melrose emphasizes that the best way to avoid oral health problems while on the go is to make sure one’s mouth is healthy before departure and to follow good hygiene habits throughout the entire trip, even if a journey goes off the beaten path.

Dental hygiene products are sold in travel-friendly forms at supermarkets and other stores, she says, including toothpaste and mouthwash bottles in airline-approved sizes, well-ventilated toothbrush cases that avoid harboring bacteria by helping the brush dry quickly, and disposable floss holders that make flossing one’s teeth more convenient.