Don’t forget your toothbrush!!!

No, we’re not talking about the 90’s Saturday night TV show hosted by Chris Evans. We’re talking about how it’s getting near that time, kids are breaking up from school, lot’s of things are happening and many of us are thinking about jetting off for some sun, fun, sea and maybe some sangria?!

Millions of us take to the skies this time of year but how many of us even think about what might happen if they have an emergency when they’re away? Particularly a dental emergency! While we can’t promise this wont happen to YOU we can give you some advice to hopefully minimise the chance of this happening and ruining your well earned holiday.

So before you go- when was the last time you had an oral health assessment? Hmmm, perhaps longer ago than you think.
It might be worth arranging one before you go, this way your dentist may pick up on any potential problems which could occur while you are away. Signs of an infection? A cavity? Or a maybe crown looking a bit iffy?
Why not arrange for a scale and polish while you’re there too? Everyone loves a holiday snap and you can have your smile looking it’s best by having any straining removed and freshening up your gums before you go.

Now, what about some insurance for if the worst does happen?
Check your travel insurance covers you for dental treatment. It might also be worth checking if you get an added extra with your bank account which includes travel insurance as many of the main banks do offer now.
If you’re a member of our Practice Plan membership here at the clinic then no need to worry, as part of your plan you are entitled to world wide emergency cover and world wide dental accident cover. So if you are abroad or just away from home and need to see a dentist for some emergency treatment, ask for a receipt, get details of the practice you visited and the treatment you had and we will help you do the paperwork when you are home to get this money refunded for you through Practice Plan. Phew, one less thing to worry about!

One thing to consider if you are in a foreign country is that there may be a language barrier so please make sure that you understand what the dentist is saying to you about the problem and the treatment needed and that they understand your concerns and why you are there in the first place. If you can’t communicate with the dentist yourself, find someone who can to help translate.

Aviemore is a popular holiday destination so we see our fair share of holiday makers in the practice. Most often they visit us because of a lost crown or bridge, an abscess or a broken tooth. We do our very best to fix them up and allow them to enjoy the rest of their break. Being in pain or having someone you are with being in pain while on holiday is definitely not fun.

So, passport, CHECK, swimsuit, CHECK, camera, CHECK, PLEASE…. DON’T FORGET YOUR TOOTHBRUSH!!! If you’re heading off to Sahara desert or somewhere it might just not be so easy to buy one.

Enjoy your holidays everyone!!