Dental emergencies on holiday: what to do if something goes wrong
You've packed your bags, booked your flights and planned the perfect holiday. But what happens if you suddenly develop a toothache, break a tooth or experience another dental emergency while you're away?
Dental problems don't wait for a convenient moment. Whether you're relaxing on a beach, exploring a new city or travelling abroad with your family, an unexpected dental issue can quickly disrupt your plans.
The good news? Knowing what to do can help you manage the situation, reduce discomfort and protect your oral health until you receive professional care. At Pro Dental Dublin, we've put together this practical guide to help you prepare for dental emergencies while travelling.
1. Severe toothache: what should you do?
A toothache can develop unexpectedly, even if you haven't noticed any previous dental problems. Possible causes include tooth decay, a cracked tooth, gum inflammation or an infection. What to do:
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
Carefully floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food.
Take an appropriate over-the-counter painkiller, such as paracetamol, following the instructions and checking that it is safe for you.
Avoid very hot, cold or sugary foods if they make the pain worse.
Arrange a dental appointment as soon as possible, particularly if the pain is severe, persistent or affecting your sleep.
What to avoid: Never place aspirin directly against your gums or tooth. It can cause chemical burns to the soft tissues. If you develop facial swelling, fever or worsening pain, seek urgent dental assessment rather than waiting until you return home.
2. Broken or chipped tooth
Biting into something hard, having an accident or even chewing unexpectedly can result in a chipped or broken tooth. Some minor chips are mainly cosmetic, while deeper fractures can expose sensitive tooth structures. What to do:
Rinse your mouth gently with clean water.
If you find the broken fragment, keep it in milk or saline solution and bring it to the dentist.
If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
Avoid chewing on the affected side.
Seek dental advice promptly, especially if the tooth is painful, loose or has a sharp edge.
Depending on the damage, treatment may involve bonding, a filling, a crown or other restorative care.
3. Knocked-out tooth: every minute matters
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Acting quickly can significantly improve the chances of saving the tooth. If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
Pick it up by the crown (the visible white part), never by the root.
If dirty, gently rinse it with milk, saline or a brief rinse of clean water. Do not scrub it.
If possible, carefully place the tooth back into its socket, ensuring it faces the correct way.
If you cannot reinsert it, keep it in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation solution.
Seek emergency dental care immediately, ideally within 30 minutes.
Do not let the tooth dry out, and do not store it in plain water.
Important: Never attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth. Doing so could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. A child with a knocked-out baby tooth still needs prompt dental assessment.
4. Lost filling or crown
Losing a filling or crown while travelling can leave a tooth sensitive or vulnerable to further damage. Although it may not always cause immediate pain, it is important to protect the tooth until you can see a dentist. What to do:
Keep the crown if it has come off.
Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the affected side.
Maintain gentle oral hygiene.
If necessary, ask a pharmacist about a temporary dental filling or crown repair product.
Arrange a dental appointment promptly.
Never use household glue or superglue to reattach a crown. A dentist will assess whether the original restoration can be reused or whether further treatment is required.
5. Dental abscess or facial swelling
A dental abscess is an infection that can develop around a tooth or in the surrounding tissues. Symptoms may include:
Persistent or throbbing tooth pain.
Swollen or tender gums.
Facial or jaw swelling.
An unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Fever or feeling generally unwell.
What to do: Seek urgent dental care. An abscess generally requires professional treatment to address the source of the infection. Painkillers may temporarily reduce discomfort, but they do not eliminate the infection. Antibiotics may be needed in certain circumstances, but they are not a substitute for dental treatment.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, or swelling affecting your eye. These can be signs of a serious infection.
Do not wait until your holiday is over to seek help.
6. Broken braces or orthodontic appliances
If you wear braces, a loose bracket or protruding wire can cause discomfort, especially when you're away from your usual dental practice. What to do:
Apply orthodontic wax to a wire or bracket that is irritating your cheek or gums.
Rinse with warm salt water if the soft tissues are sore.
Avoid hard or sticky foods.
Contact your dental practice for guidance.
Arrange an appointment if the appliance is damaged or causing persistent discomfort.
Do not attempt to force a loose bracket back into place or make significant adjustments yourself. If part of an appliance is causing choking, breathing difficulties or a serious injury, seek emergency medical care.
7. What about dental emergencies while flying?
Changes in air pressure can sometimes trigger or worsen pain in teeth with underlying dental problems. This is known as barodontalgia.
It may occur when a tooth has untreated decay, inflammation, a defective restoration or another existing issue.
If you experience significant tooth pain during a flight, arrange a dental assessment after landing. If possible, addressing known dental problems before travelling can help reduce the likelihood of unexpected discomfort.
How to prepare for dental emergencies before your holiday
A little preparation can make a significant difference if something goes wrong while travelling.
Book a dental check-up before you travel
If you have ongoing tooth sensitivity, a damaged filling or another dental concern, don't leave it until after your holiday. A dental examination can help identify problems that may require attention before departure.
Pack a small dental emergency kit
Consider bringing:
A toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Dental floss.
Orthodontic wax if you wear braces.
Pain relief medication suitable for you.
A small clean container for a lost crown or broken tooth fragment.
Contact details for your dental practice.
Check your travel insurance
Before travelling, check whether your insurance includes emergency dental treatment. Coverage varies between policies, and some plans only cover treatment required to relieve immediate pain or manage an emergency.
If you're travelling within Europe, check the applicable healthcare arrangements, but don't assume routine or emergency dental treatment will automatically be covered.
Know where to find dental care
If you're travelling abroad, identify how to access local emergency dental services.
Your hotel, travel insurer or local healthcare provider may be able to direct you to an appropriate dental clinic.
For serious medical emergencies within the European Union, you can call 112.
Should you wait until you return home?
It depends on the problem.
A small, painless chip may sometimes be able to wait for a scheduled appointment, following professional advice. However, severe toothache, significant swelling, dental trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or signs of infection require more urgent attention.
The safest approach is to seek professional advice rather than assuming a dental problem will resolve on its own.
Travelling soon? Visit Pro Dental Dublin before you go
Your holiday should be about making memories, not worrying about unexpected dental problems. At Pro Dental Dublin, our team provides comprehensive dental care, including routine examinations, dental hygiene, restorative treatments and other dental services for adults and children.
If you're experiencing dental discomfort or have concerns about your teeth before an upcoming trip, arranging an assessment can help you travel with greater peace of mind.
Planning a holiday? Book a dental check-up at Pro Dental Dublin and make your oral health part of your travel preparations.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional dental or medical advice. Dental emergencies should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. If you experience breathing difficulties, uncontrolled bleeding or other life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
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