Vacation Smiles: Avoiding Summer Dental Emergencies

Summer is finally here! Time for swimming, sports, and family adventures. But nothing ruins vacation fun faster than a painful toothache or a broken tooth. Summer dental emergencies in Ames happen more often than you might think. 

With some simple steps, you can protect your smile and keep enjoying every moment of the sunny season.

If needed, call 515-337-2244 to reach Dentistry At Somerset as soon as possible.

Pack Smart for Dental Health

When preparing for summer trips, don’t forget these dental essentials:

  • Travel-sized toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash
  • Extra toothbrush in a protective case
  • Over-the-counter pain reliever
  • Dentist contact information
  • Dental insurance card

Common Summer Dental Problems

Sports Injuries

Active summer fun brings risks to your teeth. Basketball, biking, skateboarding, and swimming pool accidents can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth.

Prevention Tip: Mouthguards are a must for summer sports! These protective shields cushion blows to the face, preventing broken teeth and cuts to lips. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist offer the best protection, but store-bought options work too.

Cold Sensitivity

Enjoying ice cream, popsicles, and cold drinks can trigger sharp pain if you have sensitive teeth.

Prevention Tip: Use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth, and try to let cold foods warm slightly before eating them.

Dehydration Issues

Hot weather leads to less saliva, which normally helps wash away bacteria. This can increase cavity risk.

Prevention Tip: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and limit sugary drinks that cause tooth decay.

Emergency Dental Care Options

Even with careful planning, accidents happen. Know what services are available for summer dental emergencies in Ames:

  • Fillings: Fix cavities before they worsen and cause severe pain
  • Crowns: Protect damaged teeth from further injury
  • Root Canals: Save severely infected teeth and eliminate pain
  • Emergency Extractions: Remove teeth that cannot be saved

Stay Prepared While Traveling

If you’re heading out of town:

  • Check if your dental insurance works at your destination
  • Research emergency dental clinics near your vacation spot
  • Consider a quick check-up before a long trip to catch problems early

Swimming pools with chlorine can weaken tooth enamel over time. After swimming, rinse your mouth with fresh water to protect your teeth.

Summertime should be about making memories, not dealing with tooth pain. By taking these simple steps, you can greatly reduce your risk of summer dental emergencies in Ames and keep smiling all season long.

Don’t Wait Until It Hurts

Take action now to protect your family’s smiles this summer. Call Dentistry At Somerset today to schedule a pre-vacation check-up or to get a custom mouthguard made for your summer activities. Our team is ready to help keep your teeth healthy so you can focus on fun in the sun!

Call us today at 515-337-2244 for an appointment in Ames, IA. You can also request an appointment online.