Handling a dental emergency while traveling
Dental emergencies away from home are stressful, but quick action and knowing who to call can save your tooth and ease pain. Learn what to do for knocked-out teeth, lost crowns, severe pain, and swelling.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jose, DDS — June 29, 2026
Call 911 or go to the ER for these signs
Some dental problems are medical emergencies. Get emergency care right away if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, jaw, floor of the mouth, or neck — especially if it is spreading
- Swelling that affects your eye or makes it hard to open your mouth
- A high fever combined with mouth or facial swelling
- Bleeding that won't stop after 10–15 minutes of firm pressure
- A knocked-out adult tooth, or an injury to the jaw, head, or face
When in doubt, consider it an emergency and seek care now.
Common Dental Emergencies While Away From Home
When you’re traveling, a sudden toothache, broken tooth, or knocked-out tooth can derail your plans and cause real worry. The good news: knowing what to do in the first few minutes makes a huge difference.
Knocked-Out or Broken Teeth
If a tooth gets knocked out, act fast. Find the tooth right away and handle it carefully — avoid touching the root. Keep it moist by holding it in your mouth, or place it in a cup of milk, saline solution, or even saliva if nothing else is available. Do not scrub, rinse with tap water, or wrap it in tissue.
Get to a dentist or urgent dental clinic as soon as possible. The faster you arrive (ideally within 30 minutes), the greater the chance a dentist can save the tooth. Call ahead so the office knows you’re coming and can prioritize you.
If the tooth is chipped or cracked but still in your mouth, rinse with cool water and apply a clean cloth to stop any bleeding. Save any fragments you find.
Lost or Damaged Crown or Bridge
A lost crown is uncomfortable but usually not an emergency. If it falls out, rinse it and keep it safe to bring to the dentist. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
If you can’t see a dentist right away, a temporary over-the-counter crown repair kit (available at many pharmacies) may help protect the tooth until you get professional care. Ask the pharmacist what’s suitable for you. Still, see a dentist as soon as you can — the underlying tooth may be at risk.
Severe Pain or Swelling
Severe dental pain or facial swelling can signal infection or other serious problems. Swelling that spreads to your cheek, jaw, or neck, or that makes it hard to swallow or open your mouth, is a red flag.
A cool compress on the outside of your cheek may ease discomfort while you wait. Avoid very hot foods and drinks. An over-the-counter pain reliever may help — ask your pharmacist or dentist what’s appropriate for you.
Call an emergency dentist immediately. If you develop a fever, severe swelling, or trouble breathing or swallowing, seek emergency room care right away.
How to Find Help Quickly
Ask your hotel or lodging: The front desk or concierge often knows local emergency and urgent-care dentists. This is their job, and they’ll have current, reliable contacts.
Call your home dentist: Your regular dentist may have relationships with dentists in other cities and can refer you. They also know your history and can advise by phone.
Search online: Look for “emergency dentist [city name]” or “urgent dental care [city name].” Check reviews and call ahead to ask if they can see you today.
Check your insurance: If you have dental insurance, your member card or the insurer’s website may have a help line or provider directory for the area you’re visiting.
Visit a hospital dental clinic: Many hospitals have dental or oral surgery departments that handle emergencies.
When to Seek Emergency Room Care
Go to the emergency room if you have:
- Severe facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
- Fever with facial or jaw swelling (possible sign of serious infection)
- Difficulty opening your mouth or moving your jaw
- Trauma (blow to the face or jaw) that may have broken bone
- Uncontrolled bleeding from your mouth or face
For a knocked-out tooth or severe pain without these signs, call an emergency dentist first — they can usually see you faster. But never delay if you feel the injury is life-threatening.
Practical Tips Before You Travel
- Ask your home dentist for the contact information of trusted colleagues in places you’ll visit.
- Keep a list of your medications and any allergies.
- Pack a small first-aid kit with clean gauze, a small container for a knocked-out tooth, and the phone numbers of your dentist and travel insurance.
- Know where the nearest hospital is when you arrive in a new city.
How MediMouth Helps
If you’re a member of the MediMouth network, we can help you find member dentists in Arizona and connect you with resources when you need care. While we can’t provide emergency care outside Arizona, your home dentist or local urgent clinic is your best resource while traveling. Once you’re back, we’re here to help with follow-up care or second opinions. Travel safely and don’t hesitate to seek help if something doesn’t feel right.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I knock out a tooth while traveling?
Find the tooth immediately and keep it moist — hold it in your mouth against your cheek, or place it in a cup of milk or saline solution if you have it. Do not scrub or touch the root. See a dentist or urgent care within 30 minutes if possible; the sooner you seek help, the better the chance of saving the tooth. Call ahead so the dentist knows you're coming.
How do I find an emergency dentist in an unfamiliar city?
Ask your hotel front desk, concierge, or call your personal dentist back home for a referral. Search online for 'emergency dentist' or 'urgent dental care' plus the city name. Some hospitals have dental clinics or can recommend one. If you have dental insurance, your member card may list a helpline with local providers.
When should I go to the emergency room instead of a dentist?
Seek emergency room care if you have severe facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, signs of a serious infection (fever, facial swelling, difficulty swallowing), or trauma that may have injured your jaw, cheekbone, or surrounding tissues. For severe pain, swelling, or a knocked-out tooth, call a local emergency dentist first — they can usually see you faster than an ER — but do not delay if you think the injury is life-threatening.