Summer means abundant sunshine, iced drinks, and long days at the beach. Summer feels like the perfect escape from our imperfect lives. But is summer truly fuss-free? It’s the time of the year when people often complain of more dental problems – problems that they never experienced before. And all this is due to spending more time outside and indulging in iced drinks. A cracked tooth from poolside horseplay or a searing toothache while enjoying an ice cream can steal the joy of your vacation. Being aware of how to handle dental emergencies quickly and calmly can save your smile and your holiday plans. Let’s walk you through a dentist’s guide to help you know if your teeth need attention this sunny season.
Why Dental Emergencies Spike in Summer
Warm weather cheers up people. After a long, cold winter, the bright sun can make everyone feel like they’ve been rebirthed. So they delay no longer to participate in outdoor sports during summer. And it leads to an increase in accidents. Other than this, there are several other reasons behind this phenomenon. Let’s check them out:
During summer, people tend to:
- Eat more cold or hard foods (like popsicles and corn on the cob)
- Travel away from their regular dental office
- Delay oral care thinking “it can wait until fall”
But a minor issue can take no time to turn into a serious one if left untreated. According to the American Dental Association, trauma from outdoor activities accounts for a noticeable uptick in dental emergencies from June through August.
Ignoring the primary oral issue might lead to swelling, infection, or permanent tooth damage. Knowing the tips of emergency dental care in summer can mean the difference between a quick fix and long-term complications.
Common Summer Dental Emergencies
While you might make the mistake of considering every dental discomfort to be urgent, some situations truly stand apart. Some of these situations are:
Toothache That Won’t Quit
Tooth pain that’s been with you for more than a week could mean infection or decay. You should visit an emergency dentist in Huntington Beach as soon as possible if the pain worsens overnight or causes severe facial swelling.
Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth
Accidents happen fast. A tumble during a summer sport can lead to cracked teeth. If you face something similar, the best solution to get rid of the pain or save your oral health is to ensure you receive fast dental care.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
Chewy summer foods like taffy or caramel can loosen old dental work. Exposed teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods.
Gum Injuries or Bleeding
Biting into something sharp or getting hit in the mouth can tear gum tissue. If you’ve non-stop bleeding due to this pain, you must receive prompt emergency dental care.
First Steps Before You See a Dentist
If you suspect that you may not receive immediate oral care, knowing what to do within the first few minutes helps in damage control:
- Toothache: Washing your mouth gently with warm salt-water can help you get rid of the pain. Just remember to avoid aspirin during tooth pain as it may worsen irritation.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If the tooth completely separates from the gum, pick the tooth by the crown (not the root). If the tooth has dirt on it, rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket. If you fail to do so, store it in milk and call an emergency dentist without delay.
- Broken Tooth: Rinse the mouth to remove debris to prevent a mouth infection. If your mouth is inflamed, use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Lost Crown: If you find the crown, you can use dental cement to temporarily secure it until you see your dentist.
What Counts as a True Dental Emergency?
Dental problems are sensitive issues. Most dental concerns cause intense pain, which makes it complex to distinguish between emergency and non-emergency situations. However, a few signs can help you tell apart a dental emergency from a non-emergency one. They are:
- Severe or throbbing pain
- Facial swelling or heat in the jaw
- Pus or signs of infection
- A tooth that’s loose, displaced, or fallen out
- Continuous bleeding from the mouth
What If You’re Out of Town?
Being away from home shouldn’t stop you from getting the necessary help. If you’re traveling and can’t reach your regular dentist:
- Look for local clinics with weekend hours
- Use online tools from the ADA to find emergency services nearby
Also, consider adding your emergency dentist’s number to your phone’s contacts, just in case.
How to Prevent Summer Dental Emergencies
A little planning can keep your teeth safe this season. The best tips to keep your smile healthy in summer are:
- Get a pre-vacation dental check-up to fix small issues before they escalate
- Use mouthguards during sports or high-risk activities
- Do not chew ice or hard foods
- Carry floss, dental wax, and pain relief medicines in your travel kit
- Drink at least 8 cups of water daily
Call Now If You Need Urgent Care
Dental pain shouldn’t stop you from soaking in the beauty of the best season of the year. If you struggle with a sudden toothache, receive immediate dental help. Getting help quickly can prevent severe complications. Whether it’s a sharp toothache or a cracked crown, reach out to a local emergency dentist in Huntington Beach, CA, for compassionate oral care.