As the holidays approach, people prepare to travel far and wide for gatherings with family and friends. Usually, this involves packing for the appropriate attire, loading up the car, making plane reservations, or finding accommodations for the family pet. Don’t let a toothache or broken bracket ruin your celebration.

Follow this advice to get your smile travel-ready:

• Prepare in advance – If you or your loved ones are due for a checkup, don’t put it off until after the trip. During this appointment, your dentist can evaluate your whole mouth and look for unseen issues, like a cavity, that could wreck your holiday plans.

• Plan accordingly – Any major dental work, like root canals, crowns, or placement of braces, should take place at least two weeks before your trip to allow plenty of time for healing or to address any issues. As well, recent dental work can be sensitive to air pressure changes from flying.

• Learn emergency protocol – Ask your dentist or orthodontist for basic instructions in case of an emergency. Even with careful planning, a chipped tooth, missing bracket, or lost filling could still occur. Knowing what steps to take in these situations will help you stay calm.

• Take supplies with you – Check online or ask your provider about where to purchase a dental emergency kit. These small, portable sets will contain items you need to treat a toothache or cover a broken orthodontic wire so that your ski holiday or trip to the Caribbean isn’t ruined.

Happy Holidays from the office of Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist – Dental Travel Tips