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

Everyone should assess their dental health before they travel, said endodontist Ramon Roges, 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 said.

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

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 added.

Some small oral health problems can wait until the patient returns 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 said.

However, he cautioned that traumatic dental injury, severe swelling or bleeding must be immediately addressed by a local dentist or an oral surgeon in a nearby emergency room.

“Severe swelling or bleeding could be life threatening,” he said. “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 added that preparing for and lessening the risk of emergency situations is critical. If a traveler participates in any contact sport, he 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 clinics or hospitals to which they can visit quickly if necessary.

It’s also important for travelers to be certain that local dental professionals are qualified and take great care to provide a clean and safe clinical environment, especially in a developing region, said 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 said.

She also cautioned that travelers must ensure the safety of their water supply. Brushing teeth with dirty water can place a person at risk for a waterborne illness.

Melrose emphasized 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 said, 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 easier.