If you're planning a longer than usual holiday, then it's a good idea to see your dentist before you go. Why?
Get a Clean Bill of Health
While you can't always predict when you're going to have dental problems, you can head some off by having regular check-ups. If you haven't seen your dentist recently, then it's worth having a check-up before you go away.
You may have minor problems that need some work. It's a lot better to have these problems fixed before you go on holiday. This is especially important if you'll be travelling overseas. You don't want to have to deal with a toothache when you're supposed to be enjoying yourself. You don't want to waste holiday time sitting in a dentist's clinic. You certainly don't want to have to negotiate dental treatment in a country where you don't speak the language.
Your dentist can give you a quick once-over. All being well, you'll get a clean bill of health and peace of mind. If you need work done, you can have this done before you go so you don't have to worry about it during your holiday.
Make Sure You're Prepared
If you're seeing your dentist regularly for ongoing treatment, then you need to talk to them about what might happen while you're away. They can make sure that any immediate work is done before you go; they can also give you tips on care while you are away.
For example, if you're having treatment for gum disease, then your dentist may recommend that you take an anti-bacterial mouthwash with you. If your gums do flare up while you're away, you'll have something to keep problems at bay. Or, if you're in the middle of implant treatment, your dentist can give you advice on how to spot problems that might mean you need to see another dentist while you're away.
Avoid Unnecessary Costs
If you have a minor problem, like a damaged filling, then it'll probably be cheaper for you to have your dentist fix it for you before you go on holiday. This could be just a small job at the moment. If you don't know you have a problem on the tooth and eat something hard or sticky on your holiday, then the filling could come out completely; it could bring some of your tooth with it. This could become a bigger repair which will cost more to fix.
Plus, not all holiday destinations offer the same dental costs as you'll get at home. You could end up paying more for treatment as well as having to pay a premium for an emergency appointment.
So, it makes sense to book an appointment with your dentist before you go away. Try to do this a few weeks in advance just in case you do need any work done.
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