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Protecting Our Kids' Smiles

The most important thing I have ever been entrusted with is a child's smile. As soon as my toothless baby was born, I knew that I wanted to make him smile as much as I could throughout his life. As he became older, taking care of his smile became about dental care as much as about emotional care and tickles. As a young mom, I admit to being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information about teeth, braces, brushing and oral hygiene online. Now, that I've been through several cavity-free appointments as well as a few less-than-perfect experiences, I feel confident about helping others who are just starting to wade through dental info. I have created this blog to help you protect your kids' smiles. I gather the best info I can find and post it here for your review and education.

 

Protecting Our Kids' Smiles

Preparing for a Trip to the Developing World: Dental Tips to Keep in Mind

18 March 2016
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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If you have persistent dental problems and you are planning an international journey to the developing world, you need to think of your dental health as you are preparing for your journey.

Regardless of where you are going, you most likely won't have access to dental care in the developing world as you do in Australia. Luckily, there are ways to ensure you and your teeth are as safe as possible. Take a look at these tips:

1. Schedule a dental appointment before you leave.

If you have gum disease or any other issue that makes cavities or toothaches a regular occurrence in your life, make sure to schedule a dental appointment before you leave. Ask your dentist if he or she foresees any issues popping up whilst you are going, and if so, make an appointment to deal with those teeth before you leave.

2. Pack bottle openers and other small tools.

Using your teeth as a tool to open bottles or do other tasks can be dangerous, and in particular, it can cause your teeth to crack or chip. So that you aren't forced to use your teeth as tools, pack a few small tools with you. A utility knife with a bottle opener is a great option for most circumstances.

3. Make a dental emergency kit.

Before going on your journey, make a dental emergency kit. This should include salve to rub on your gums in the event of a toothache. It should also include over-the-counter pain relievers and a reusable cold pack. If possible, it should also include a small container to hold any teeth that get accidentally knocked out.

4. Bring a mouthguard for adventure sports.

If you are planning to do any adventure sports whilst you travel, consider packing a mouthguard. A mouthguard protects your mouth and teeth if you bump into something or collide into someone.

5. Research dentists before leaving.

With the right prevention and protection, you can probably avoid a dental emergency while you travel, but you should always be prepared for the potential risk. Before leaving, research dentists in the countries where you will be travelling. Make sure that you know your options and how to reach them if you are in need.

Also, when you book travel insurance, make sure that it covers both medical and dental care. Otherwise, you may be stuck with unwanted bills if you have a dental emergency on the road.