Living abroad has its perks. Not only do you get to experience a different culture, but life in another city or country can help you to better understand how other parts of the world work. While establishing yourself in this new location, you may be looking at researching the various places to see and visit but are you also looking for professionals who can take care of you if something happens? Find out how you should plan to handle a dental emergency should you be living outside the United States.
Identify a Dental Professional Where You Live
When arriving in your new city, no matter where in the world you might be, it’s important that you research various dentists who live in your area. Finding one who offers emergency dental care is essential.
A nagging toothache or sudden injury can leave you scrambling for help, and you don’t want to have to search for that type of information under pressure. It’s best to identify someone ahead of time so that you know who to call should a crisis occur.
Locate the Closest Emergency Room
Whether you find a dentist who can help, you’ll also want to locate the closest emergency room. While it is best to see a dental professional for most injuries, there are situations that are best seen by a medical professional, such as a broken or fractured jaw, increased swelling that hinders your ability to breathe, or continuous bleeding.
Be Proactive About Your Oral Health
It’s no secret that you cannot prevent all dental emergencies. While out for a stroll, you might accidentally trip over the cobblestone street and chip a tooth, or you might indulge in a scoop of gelato only to experience intense pain in a particular tooth.
Taking proper care of your teeth and gums at all times is crucial if you want to keep from visiting an emergency dentist. You can do this by:
- Practicing good oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Regularly visiting a dentist twice each year to ensure that your smile is in good shape and without cavities or gum disease.
- Wearing proper mouth protection to keep from injuring your smile while playing sports or from wearing down your tooth enamel because of teeth grinding.
- Eating healthy foods that are not full of sugars and starches because they can cause tooth decay and harmful bacteria to form.
While immersing yourself in a city, don’t forget to find a dental professional who can take care of your smile while living abroad. This will not only give you someone to call should tragedy strike, but it will also give you greater peace of mind.
About the Practice
Pelican Landing Dental is based in Bonita Springs and is led by a team of dental experts who are committed to the art and science behind healthy, beautiful smiles. Offering an array of treatments, they are equipped and ready to help patients who are experiencing dental emergencies. If you or a loved one is struggling with a toothache or damaged smile, visit the website or call (239) 948-2111.
