Six Critical Steps to Protect Your Oral Health on Vacation

Before packing your bags and hitting the road this summer, take a few simple precautions to make sure a dental emergency won’t ruin your fun.

Find out what your dental plan covers before leaving town. To check details of your Delta Dental coverage, just go to www.deltadentalnj.com, click "Members," and log on to Benefits Connection. If you’re new to Benefits Connection, click “Register Now.”

Know how to find a network dentist wherever you plan to travel. You can find participating Delta Dental dentists anywhere in the U.S. or Puerto Rico by visiting our Web site at www.deltadentalnj.com and clicking “Find a Dentist” on the left navigation bar. Or, call our toll-free number, (800) DELTA-OK (335-8265).

Pack a dental first-aid kit. This 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.

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

Take care of oral health problems before vacation. Common vacation activities, such as scuba diving and flying, can cause dental problems to worsen through pressure changes. Remember, an ounce of prevention is an important part of your recipe for summer fun!