3 Tips for Dealing with Dental Emergencies While Working Overseas

It’s important to be prepared ahead of time to deal with a dental emergency, no matter where you are. If you live in another country but are currently working in the United States, then you should have a plan in place in case you ever have to deal with a severe toothache or another urgent oral health issue. Below are 3 simple tips that those working overseas should keep in mind when it comes to handling dental emergencies.

1. Find a Nearby Dentist Who Offers Emergency Care

Any time you arrive in a new city or town, you should take the time to research dental practices that you can get to easily from where you’re staying. You’ll specifically want to look for a dentist who offers emergency care and is willing to schedule same-day visits for dental issues that require prompt attention.

When you choose a new dental office, you should make sure that they’re able to get the necessary records from your primary dentist so that they can give your smile the personalized care it needs. It’s also a good idea to check whether they’ll take your insurance; a number of insurance providers offer overseas coverage, although the details can vary from plan to plan.

2. Find a Nearby Emergency Room

A dentist should be your first choice for the majority of dental emergencies. However, for certain life-threatening oral issues (such as bleeding that won’t stop, a broken jaw, or swelling that interferes with breathing), you should seek medical treatment instead. As such, it’s essential to know where the nearest emergency room is just in case the worst-case scenario occurs.

3. Take Steps to Prevent Dental Emergencies

The best way to deal with a dental emergency is to stop it from happening in the first place. Obviously, this isn’t always possible; the chances of breaking a tooth in an accident or developing a painful tooth infection will never be zero. However, if you take excellent care of your smile, you can make dental emergencies significantly less likely to occur while you’re working overseas.

To protect your oral health, you should get in the habit of brushing and flossing at least two times a day. It’s also important to maintain a smile-friendly diet; try to avoid consuming too many foods that are high in sugar or starch. And of course, you should try to visit a dentist for preventive checkups and cleanings at least once every six months.

The idea of a dental emergency occurring while you’re working overseas can be frightening, but following the tips above can go a long way toward protecting your smile and ensuring that you’re able to get the care you need when it counts the most.

About the Author

Dr. Tyler Schaffeld studied dentistry at Oregon Health and Science University. He holds membership with the Academy of General Dentistry, the Oregon Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. At his Enterprise practice, Tyler Schaffeld Dental, he offers high-quality emergency dental care, and he strives to see patients with urgent dental problems on the same day whenever possible. If you’re in need of emergency dental care, you can request an appointment with Dr. Schaffeld by calling (541) 426-3783.