What To Do If You Have A Dental Emergency While Travelling

Dr. Christopher Li Etobicoke - Li Family Dental

By Dr. Christopher Li

October 24, 2025

dental care, dental emergency while travelling, emergency dental care, health and wellness, preventative care

Don’t Let a Dental Emergency Ruin Your Trip

When planning a trip, most of us focus on flights, hotels, and packing — not dental problems. But a dental emergency while travelling can happen anytime, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Whether you’re on vacation or away for business, these tips will help you stay calm, manage pain, and find care fast.

Common Dental Emergencies While Travelling

common-dental-emergencies-while-travelling

1. Toothache on the Plane or Abroad

If you experience a toothache during your flight, it may be due to air pressure changes affecting small cracks or cavities in your teeth. The pain often eases after landing, but it’s a sign that you should see your dentist once home.

If tooth pain continues during your trip, rinse and floss gently to remove food particles. Over-the-counter pain medication or clove oil can help until you find a local dentist.

2. Broken or Cracked Tooth

Accidents can happen anywhere — even at a café halfway across the world. If you chip or crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling. Find an emergency dentist abroad as soon as possible to prevent infection or further damage.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth requires immediate action. Handle it carefully by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try to place it back into the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in milk or a saline solution and see a dentist within an hour. The faster you act, the better the chance of saving your tooth.

How To Find A Dentist Abroad

A person holds and uses a smartphone outdoors with the blurred Eiffel Tower visible in the background, possibly searching how to find a dentist abroad during a dental emergency while traveling.

If you have a dental emergency while travelling abroad, your travel insurance provider is your best first call. Most offer 24-hour assistance and can connect you with local clinics that accept your coverage.

Hotel staff are also great resources — they often know trusted medical and dental providers nearby. For extra peace of mind, research dental services at your destination before you travel, especially if you’re visiting remote areas.

How To Prevent A Dental Emergency Before You Travel

how-to-prevent-a-dental-emergency-before-you-travel

1. Schedule a Pre-Trip Dental Checkup

Visit your dentist before your trip to make sure your teeth are in good shape. This helps identify and treat small issues that could become painful problems mid-flight or overseas.

2. Avoid Major Dental Procedures Before Travelling

Try not to schedule extractions, root canals, or other major dental work right before you leave. Healing complications can cause discomfort while travelling.

3. Make Sure You Have Dental Travel Insurance

Check whether your travel insurance includes dental emergencies — or if your work benefits cover dental care abroad. Dental treatments can be expensive, so having coverage matters.

4. Pack a Small Dental First Aid Kit

Include travel-sized dental essentials such as:

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Dental floss
Clove oil or oral analgesic gel
Gauze
Temporary filling material
Pain relief medication

5. Be Cautious With Food and Drinks

Avoid chewing hard candies, ice, or sticky foods that could crack teeth or pull out fillings. Acidic drinks can also trigger sensitivity.

Protect Your Smile Before You Travel

A commercial airplane flies overhead, framed by green palm tree leaves against a clear blue sky—a vivid reminder to prepare for any dental emergency while travelling.

A dental emergency while travelling doesn’t have to ruin your trip. With a little preparation — from scheduling a checkup before you go to packing a simple dental kit — you can travel confidently knowing you’re ready for anything.

If you’ve got an upcoming trip, give us a call today at 416-232-2033 to schedule your pre-vacation checkup, or book your appointment online here.

Frequently Asked Questions About A Dental Emergency While Travelling

1. What should I do if I have a dental emergency while travelling?

If you experience a dental emergency — such as a toothache, broken tooth, or knocked-out tooth — act quickly. Rinse your mouth gently, use pain relief if needed, and contact a local dentist or emergency clinic as soon as possible. For a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown, rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk until you can see a dentist. Quick action can save your tooth and reduce complications.

2. Can travel insurance cover dental emergencies abroad?

Yes, many travel insurance plans include coverage for dental emergencies. This can help cover the cost of emergency care, pain relief, or treatment for issues like broken teeth or infections. Always check your policy before travelling to confirm coverage and get a list of approved dental providers.

3. How can I prevent a dental emergency while travelling?

Prevent dental emergencies by scheduling a pre-trip dental checkup, addressing cavities or cracks, and avoiding major dental procedures right before your trip. Packing a small dental kit with floss, toothpaste, pain relief, and temporary filling material can also help manage minor issues while abroad.

4. What should I include in a travel dental emergency kit?

A dental emergency kit should include:

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Dental floss
Oral analgesic gel or clove oil
Pain relief medication
Gauze pads
Temporary filling material

These items allow you to manage minor dental problems until you can reach a dentist.

5. How do I find an emergency dentist abroad?

Your travel insurance provider can provide a list of approved clinics, and hotel staff often know trusted local dentists. Researching dental services at your destination before travelling ensures you can get care quickly if a dental emergency occurs.

6. Why do my teeth hurt while flying?

Tooth pain during a flight is usually caused by changes in air pressure affecting small cracks or cavities in your teeth. While the discomfort typically eases after landing, it indicates an underlying dental issue that should be checked by your dentist.

7. What should I do if I chip a tooth while travelling?

Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Seek an emergency dentist as soon as possible to prevent infection or further damage. A temporary dental kit can help manage minor discomfort until professional care is available.

8. How do I handle a lost filling while travelling?

If a filling falls out, rinse your mouth, use temporary filling material if available, and avoid chewing on that side. Contact a local dentist promptly to restore the tooth and prevent additional problems.

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Dr. Christopher Li

About the author

Doctor Christopher Li, DDS
Dr. Chris, as he is affectionately known, is a licensed dentist with over 20 years experience. His caring personality makes even the most tentative person at ease. Patients are constantly commenting about how Dr. Chris is incredible at delivering pain-free freezing, and how he has an amazing chair-side manner. Dr. Chris loves sharing information with his patients and everyone who has teeth about how to care for their teeth, avoid tooth decay, and the treatments available to help them overcome their tooth pain or other dental issues so they can enjoy life and food to its fullest!

Family dentists offer a wide range of services, including routine cleanings and exams, teeth whitening, dental implants, dental crowns, wisdom tooth removal, root canals, dental bridges, veneers, emergency dental care, and more to cater to patients of all ages and dental needs.

Families should schedule dental checkups every six months for routine cleanings and exams to maintain optimal oral health and address any issues promptly. Regular appointments help prevent dental problems and ensure early detection and treatment if needed, promoting long-term dental wellness.

Family dentistry clinics may offer orthodontic services. However, it's essential to inquire directly with the specific clinic to confirm the range of services they provide. It's common for family dentists to offer orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign alongside general dental care for patients of all ages.

Family dentists can indeed provide cosmetic dentistry services, offering a wide range of treatments to enhance smiles for patients of all ages. These services may include teeth whitening, dental veneers, and other cosmetic procedures alongside general dentistry care.

Children should start dental visits as soon as their first tooth appears, which is typically around the age of 6 to 12 months. Early dental visits help establish good oral hygiene habits and detect any potential issues early on. Regular dental check-ups are important for children's dental health.

Family dental practices are equipped for emergencies, providing prompt and effective care during unexpected situations. They guide patients on appropriate steps and offer emergency appointments with treatments like tooth reinsertion, controlling bleeding, and immediate attention, ensuring patients' dental health and comfort.

Family dental clinics often handle phobias by creating a warm and welcoming environment, prioritizing patient comfort, and implementing gentle techniques to alleviate anxiety. Dentists at these clinics may also offer sedation options for more severe cases of dental phobia.

Family dentists can perform wisdom tooth extractions. However, in some cases, they may refer patients to oral surgeons for more complex extractions. Discuss your situation with your family dentist to determine the best course of action for your wisdom teeth.

Family dental offices typically have pediatric dental specialists on staff to cater to children's unique dental needs. These specialists are trained to provide gentle and age-appropriate care for young patients, ensuring a positive dental experience for kids. Visiting a family dental office can offer comprehensive dental services for the entire family, including specialized care for children.

A dentist manages family oral health by providing a range of dental services tailored to each family member's needs, from routine cleanings to advanced treatments like dental implants. They also educate on proper oral hygiene and preventive care to maintain overall dental wellness for the entire family.

Sedation options for young patients at Li Family Dental include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation. These options help alleviate anxiety and ensure a comfortable experience during dental procedures for children. Sedation is tailored to the child's needs under the care of our experienced team.

Yes, dental sealants are commonly offered at family dental practices. These thin plastic coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth, particularly molars, to protect against decay. They are a preventive measure often recommended for children, but adults can benefit from them as well.

Family dentists accommodate special needs patients by providing a welcoming and comfortable environment, ensuring gentle and respectful care, and employing the latest dental technologies for a positive experience. They offer a range of services from routine check-ups to advanced treatments to cater to diverse patient needs, promoting accessible and compassionate dental care.

Family dental clinics may offer weekend appointments to accommodate busy schedules and make dental care more accessible. Contact Li Family Dental or similar clinics directly to inquire about weekend availability for appointments.

Family dentists typically recommend routine cleanings and exams to prevent dental issues. Additionally, they may suggest treatments like teeth whitening, dental implants, crowns, and bridges to maintain oral health. Understanding the importance of preventive care can help families maintain healthy smiles and prevent potential problems down the road.

Fluoride treatment benefits entire families by strengthening teeth and preventing decay. It promotes oral health, reduces the risk of cavities for both children and adults, and can be a cost-effective preventive measure for maintaining overall dental wellness.

Yes, family dental practices typically offer digital X-rays to their patients. Digital X-rays are commonly used in modern dental practices due to their efficiency, convenience, and reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional X-rays. They provide detailed images that help dentists assess oral health and develop treatment plans accurately.

Family dentists can detect orthodontic issues early through routine check-ups and observations during dental exams. Early detection can lead to timely referrals to orthodontic specialists for proper evaluation and treatment planning, ensuring children receive necessary orthodontic care at the appropriate time.

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Dental cleanings are customized for different ages by adjusting tools and techniques. Pediatric cleanings focus on education and minimal discomfort. Adult cleanings may involve deeper cleanings due to accumulated plaque. Senior cleanings address specific concerns like gum disease and tooth sensitivity. Regular cleanings are crucial to maintaining oral health across all age groups.

Family dentists can effectively treat gum disease by providing professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, antibiotic treatments, and education on proper oral hygiene practices. They help prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease to maintain healthy gums and overall oral health for all family members.

Li Family Dental provides comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages, including dental health education resources for families. Keeping patients informed about the latest news, tips, innovations, and community news helps individuals maintain good oral health practices at home. This emphasis on education enhances the overall care provided by Li Family Dental.

Family dentists utilize the most up-to-date dental technologies in their practice to provide the best care for their patients. Technologies such as digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, laser treatments, and CAD/CAM systems are commonly used to improve diagnostics, treatment accuracy, and patient comfort.

Family dental practices manage patient anxiety by creating a warm and welcoming environment, offering gentle care, and prioritizing patient comfort. Engaging in open communication, explaining procedures thoroughly, and showing empathy towards patients' concerns also help alleviate anxiety in family dental settings.

Yes, family dentists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons, to provide comprehensive care for patients. This collaboration ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment and address any underlying health issues that may impact their oral health.

Teething solutions for babies are not explicitly mentioned on Li Family Dental's website. However, you may contact the clinic directly to inquire about specific services for infants.

Child-friendly techniques in dental care include creating a welcoming environment with toys and games, using gentle language to explain procedures, and offering rewards for cooperation. The goal is to make children feel comfortable and relaxed during their dental visits, promoting positive experiences and reducing fear or anxiety.

Family dentists can provide advice on nutrition for oral health, recommending foods and habits that promote dental wellness. By providing guidance on a balanced diet and good oral hygiene practices, family dentists help patients maintain healthy smiles and prevent oral health issues.

Family dental offices may offer same-day appointments based on availability and the nature of the dental emergency. It's best to contact the office directly to inquire about their scheduling options for immediate dental care.

A family dentist promotes good dental habits by providing routine cleanings and exams, offering educational resources on oral hygiene, discussing proper brushing and flossing techniques, and recommending preventive measures to maintain healthy teeth and gums for the whole family. They create a comfortable environment that encourages regular check-ups and establishes a positive relationship with dental care.