Summertime in Westborough, MA is the perfect time for getaways—whether you’re heading to Cape Cod, flying across the country, or taking a scenic road trip through New England. While travel is meant for relaxation and adventure, unexpected dental emergencies can quickly disrupt your plans.

At Century Family Dental, we believe a confident, healthy smile should travel with you. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to prevent dental issues while traveling, how to handle emergencies on the road, and what to do once you’re back in town.

1. Pack a Travel-Ready Dental Kit

Preparedness is your best friend when it comes to oral health. Whether you’re flying or driving, create a compact dental kit that includes:

• A travel-sized toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Dental floss or floss picks
• Sugar-free gum (great for stimulating saliva and neutralizing acid)
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Temporary dental repair cement (available at most pharmacies)
• Gauze and cotton
• A small container with a lid (useful if a tooth gets knocked out)
• Your dentist’s phone number and email

Pro tip: Add our Contact Page to your phone’s bookmarks, so help is always a tap away.

2. Know the Most Common Travel Dental Emergencies

Dental problems can happen unexpectedly, but some issues are more common while traveling. Here’s what to watch for:

• Toothaches: Often caused by untreated cavities or pressure changes during flights
• Cracked or chipped teeth: Usually from chewing hard foods like ice or popcorn kernels
• Dislodged fillings or crowns: Especially if they were already loose
• Knocked-out tooth: From a fall or sports injury
• Braces issues: Broken brackets, poking wires, or lost aligners

If you're experiencing pain or discomfort, contact our office or visit a local emergency dentist right away. For pain that won't go away, you may need endodontic treatment like a root canal upon return.

3. Schedule a Pre-Trip Dental Checkup

The best way to avoid emergencies while you travel? Get checked before you go!

We recommend booking a comprehensive general dentistry visit at least a week before your trip. During this visit, we’ll:

• Check for cavities or infection
• Tighten loose crowns or fillings
• Examine existing restorations
• Assess the health of your gums
• Perform a full cleaning for that fresh, travel-ready smile

If you’ve been considering replacing a missing tooth, a consultation for dental implants might be a smart step to take before travel begins.

4. Special Tips for Kids & Orthodontic Care

If your child wears braces or clear aligners:

• Pack orthodontic wax, rubber bands, and a small mirror
• Store aligners in a hard case when not in use
• Remind them to remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water

Should something go wrong, don’t panic. Temporary discomfort can often be managed until you return to Westborough for a full evaluation. For families considering straightening options this summer, our orthodontic services include clear aligners and traditional braces—perfect for getting a head start before school resumes.

5. What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency

Here’s how to respond calmly and effectively:

• Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water and take a pain reliever. Avoid chewing on that side.
• Chipped tooth: Rinse your mouth and save any fragments. Use dental wax if it’s sharp.
• Knocked-out tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown (not root), gently rinse it, and place it in milk or saliva. Seek dental care within 30–60 minutes if possible.
• Lost crown or filling: Use temporary dental cement to cover the area and avoid chewing on it.

Once you return to Westborough, we can provide follow-up care, whether you need a permanent crown, filling, or restorative dentistry solutions.

6. Back in Westborough? We’ll Handle the Rest

Even if your emergency is managed out-of-state, it’s important to follow up at home. Let our team review what was done, check for complications, and complete any unfinished care.

We offer complete follow-up services—from urgent root canals to long-term solutions like crowns, implants, and even cosmetic treatments to restore your smile’s aesthetics.

Don’t Let a Toothache Ruin Your Trip

At Century Family Dental, we care about your smile—no matter where summer takes you. As your trusted dental home in Westborough, MA, we’re here to help you prepare, prevent, and handle any dental concerns before or after your journey.

Contact us today to book your pre-travel checkup and travel worry-free!