Summer Dental Emergencies: How to Stay Prepared and Protect Your Smile

Summer is a time for sunshine, relaxation, and adventure—but it's also one of the busiest seasons for dental emergencies. Between active vacations, sugary treats, and changes in routine, even the healthiest smiles can run into trouble. At El Segundo Modern Dentistry, we want you to enjoy the season without interruptions from chipped teeth, lost fillings, or sudden toothaches. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you prevent, manage, and bounce back from common summer dental emergencies.

Why Are Dental Emergencies More Common in Summer?

Many factors contribute to a spike in dental emergencies during the warmer months:

• Increased physical activity : Sports, hiking, swimming, and outdoor play can lead to accidents.
• Sugary seasonal treats : Snow cones, lemonade, ice cream, and other sticky or acidic items put your teeth at risk.
• Travel : Being away from your regular dentist makes it harder to get prompt care.
• Disrupted routines : Late nights and travel plans can make it easy to forget oral hygiene.
• Dehydration : Less saliva production in the summer heat can lead to dry mouth and cavities.

Common Summer Dental Emergencies (and What to Do)

Knowing how to respond quickly and correctly can make all the difference when dental trouble strikes. Here are the most frequent summer dental emergencies and how to handle them:

• Chipped or Cracked Tooth
• Causes : Biting into hard foods like popcorn kernels or ice, falls, sports injuries.
• What to do :
• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Save any tooth fragments if possible.
• Call your dentist right away.
• Knocked-Out Tooth
• Causes : Contact sports, pool accidents, or a fall.
• What to do :
• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root.
• Rinse gently if dirty—don’t scrub.
• Try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, place it in milk or saline.
• Get to your dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
• Toothache
• Causes : Untreated cavities, infections, or trauma.
• What to do :
• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods until seen.
• Call your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown
• Causes : Chewing sticky or hard foods like caramel or nuts.
• What to do :
• Clean the area gently.
• Cover the exposed area with dental cement (available at most pharmacies).
• Avoid chewing on that side.
• See your dentist for a replacement or reattachment.
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Causes : Falls, sports injuries, biting lips or cheeks.
• What to do :
• Rinse with salt water.
• Apply gauze to stop bleeding.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Seek immediate dental or medical attention if bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies This Summer

While you can’t avoid every accident, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the risk of dental mishaps:

1. Wear a Mouthguard

If you or your child are playing any contact sports or doing activities like biking or skateboarding, a mouthguard is essential. Custom-fit guards offer superior comfort and protection.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated is crucial—not just for your body, but for your oral health. Water helps rinse away sugars, acids, and food particles, while stimulating saliva production to protect your enamel.

3. Practice Smart Snacking

Sticky, crunchy, or hard foods are prime culprits in summer dental emergencies. Limit your intake of:

• Chewy candies
• Ice (don’t chew it!)
• Soda and citrus drinks
• Popcorn

Better options include:

• Cheese
• Apple slices
• Yogurt
• Carrots and celery

4. Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Even if you’re traveling or staying up late, brushing and flossing are non-negotiable. Keep a travel dental kit on hand and set reminders if needed.

5. Schedule Preventive Visits Before You Travel

A pre-summer dental exam allows your dentist to catch small issues—like loose fillings or signs of decay—before they turn into major emergencies. It’s one of the best ways to safeguard your smile during vacation.

What to Include in Your Summer Dental Emergency Kit

Whether you’re headed out of town or just spending more time outdoors, having an emergency kit on hand can make a big difference. Pack these essentials:

• Dental mirror
• Gauze pads
• Dental cement or temporary filling material
• Saline solution
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Cold compress
• Floss picks
• Contact information for your dentist
• Small container for a dislodged tooth

How to Handle a Dental Emergency When Traveling

• Don’t panic . Stay calm and take initial steps to stabilize the situation.
• Use your emergency kit to manage pain or protect the area.
• Call your home dentist . Even if you’re far away, they can offer guidance or refer you to a nearby provider.
• Look for reputable dental clinics in the area—ask your hotel concierge, or search online reviews.
• Follow up at home . Once you return, schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is healing properly.

Dental Emergencies in Children

Kids are especially prone to dental injuries during summer. Whether it’s jumping off the diving board or playing tag at the park, accidents happen. Make sure your child:

• Wears a helmet or mouthguard when needed
• Knows not to chew ice or hard candy
• Drinks water instead of sugary drinks
• Brushes before bed even during late nights

Common summer emergencies in children include:

• Baby teeth being knocked loose prematurely
• Chipped front teeth from falls
• Lip and tongue injuries from rough play

If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, follow the same steps as you would for an adult. If it’s a baby tooth, contact your dentist for instructions—it may not need to be replaced.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Some dental issues can wait until regular business hours, but others require immediate attention. Call your dentist immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling
• A knocked-out or loose adult tooth
• A large crack or fracture
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Signs of infection (pus, fever, swollen lymph nodes)

Your dentist will advise you on whether to come in immediately or schedule a next-day appointment.

Smile Safely This Summer

Dental emergencies can derail your plans—but they don’t have to ruin your summer. With a little preparation, smart habits, and quick action, you can keep your smile safe no matter where your adventures take you.

At El Segundo Modern Dentistry, we’re here to help you enjoy the season with confidence. Whether you need a preventive visit, emergency advice, or urgent dental care, our experienced team is ready to support you. Call us today to schedule your summer appointment—and smile brighter all season long!