The summer season is here, and that means more people will be on the road traveling to their next vacation destination. When you travel, you make sure you pack all of the essentials – clothes, towels, hygiene products, hair accessories, and so on. One thing that you might overlook in your haste to reach your vacation spot is an emergency dental kit. You have your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash – what else could you possibly need? There are actually quite a few things you might need if you have a dental emergency during your vacation. Packing an emergency kit can help you take care of a dental emergency on your own until you can get to a dentist.

When packing your kit, there is no need for a fancy box. As long as you have a box with a lid, such as a food storage container, your supplies will be safe. Here are some of the best things you should include in your emergency dental kit.

  • Hand sanitizer to ensure clean hands
  • Medical gloves for sanitary reasons
  • Extra dental floss
  • Temporary filling and temporary cement
  • Cotton balls (include some super-tiny ones like those found in over-the-counter dental kits)
  • Tweezers
  • Toothpicks
  • Gauze
  • Pain relief drops for toothaches
  • Bottled water
  • Dental wax

When you pack your supplies, you may want to use small, zippered bags to keep items separate. If you have trouble finding all of the necessary supplies, you can always opt for a ready-made dental kit. You can find these at pharmacies and discount department stores.

Once you are on the road with all of your travel belongings, including your emergency dental kit, you can enjoy your vacation without worry. Should you experience a dental emergency, keep the following in mind.

  • Make sure your hands are clean before putting your fingers in your mouth. If someone else has to assist you, make sure they wear gloves.
  • Apply the necessary treatment as soon as possible to avoid any further damage. If you think you can “tough out” the pain until you can get to a dentist, you are probably wrong – and you may cause more damage to the affected area.
  • Follow the directions for temporary fillings and cement, as well as for applying pain relief medication.
  • Make an emergency appointment with an area dentist. You can always as the local hospital staff for suggestions.
  • If your pain is too intense, do not hesitate to go to the ER. While they are not going to fix your dental issue for you, they can provide you with necessary medications, including pain relievers and antibiotics to keep infection at bay until you can get to a dentist.

Even if you are on vacation, you cannot afford to neglect your dental health. Maintain your dental hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing. If possible, arrange for a quick checkup before you even leave for vacation to ensure that your teeth are in tip-top shape for your journey. If you have a dental emergency, use your kit to treat the symptoms, and then seek professional treatment as soon as possible.