Prepare Your Teeth for Summer Vacation - And Dental Emergencies on the Road

It's time for that long-awaited summer vacation. Whether your destination is a weekend at the pool or a week in Waikiki, you don't want your fun ruined by an unexpected dental emergency. 

Dr. Scott Navarro, Delta Dental's dental director, recommends doing the following before leaving home:

1. Understand what your dental plan covers when you're out of the area. You can easily check details of your Delta Dental coverage online using Benefits Connection. Just go to www.deltadentalnj.com, click "Members" and log on.

2. Know how to find network dentists in areas where you will be traveling. You can find a participating Delta Dental Dentist anywhere in the U.S. or Puerto Rico by visiting our Web site at www.deltadentalnj.com. Clicking "Find a Dentist on the left navigation bar. Or, call our toll-free number, (800) DELTA-OK (335-8265).

3. Pack a dental first-aid kit. It should include the phone numbers of nearby dentists, gauze, cotton, oil of cloves, non-aspirin pain reliever (aspirin is an anti-coagulant, which may cause excessive bleeding in a dental emergency), floss, over-the-counter dental cement, small containers with lids, saline solution, topical anesthetic and cold compresses.

4. Carry important dental information with you. Take your dentist's name, address, telephone number and any pertinent information about your oral health with you. Also bring your dental insurance policy number and Delta Dental's toll-free Customer Service number (800-452-9310).

5. Take care of oral health problems before you leave. "Common vacation activities, such as scuba diving and flying, can cause dental problems to worsen through pressure changes," says Dr. Navarro.

An ounce of prevention should be part of your recipe for summer fun!