Don’t let toothache spoil your summer holiday

Holidaymakers are being warned to take care of their teeth and gums when jetting off abroad this year.
 
More than 45 million Britons will be holidaying during July and August and many will be flying out to countries where the quality of dental care is not as certain as the summer sunshine.
 
And with a recent survey of 3,000 people revealing that the average holidaymaker pays around £860 for their trip – then spends a further £533 when they arrive – it makes sense not to let toothache ruin an expensive vacation.
 
The warning comes from the oral health experts at Eludril and Elgydium, manufacturers of specialist mouthwash and toothpaste proven to beat gum disease.
 
The team from Eludril and Elgydium has put together the following tips to help you avoid a trip to the dentist while you are away:
 
Check your travel insurance before you go abroad. Emergency dental work can be costly. Most insurance policies will only cover you for treatment involving the ‘relief of immediate pain’.

This would not include fixing cracked crowns, for example.
 
Make sure you take an adequate supply of your regular mouthwash, toothpaste and floss with you. Brands available in the UK may not be available at your holiday destination.
 
It’s a good idea to protect your toothbrush head when travelling. The Elgydium range of dental hygiene toothbrushes offer soft, medium and hard bristles. Each is supplied with a special plastic head cover.
 
Check if it is OK to drink the tap water where you are staying. If not, use bottled water to rinse after brushing.
 
Should you experience toothache or sensitivity whilst away, avoid very hot/cold or spicy foods and take pain relief tablets.
 
If you continue to experience problems, seek advice from your travel rep on finding a reputable local dentist.
 
Just because you are on holiday, it doesn’t mean you should abandon your normal oral health routine. Stick to what you do at home, as this will help avoid any potential problems.
 
Your regular oral health routine should include:
 
• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for around two minutes
flossing every day
• Using a toothbrush that is not overly worn (replace every three or four months or as soon as the bristles look worn)
• Avoiding starchy, sugary foods and drinks, as these make the problem worse
eating plenty of fresh foods and vegetables and avoid snacking between meals
 
Following this advice will hopefully help you to avoid problems associated with gum disease. However, if you spot any of the following gum disease symptoms, you should visit your dentist or hygienist as soon as possible:
 
• Sore gums or swollen gums – an early sign gum disease (also known as gingivitis)
• Bleeding gums – seek advice, as it is not usual for gums to bleed
• Receding gums – usually an indication that gum disease has been present for some time.
 
They will check on the cause of the problem and will recommend a gingivitis treatment that is right for you.
 
It is important to seek help as soon as possible and not allow the gum disease to worsen, as this can result in a receding gum line which could lead to your teeth falling out or having to be removed.
 
Quick, easy and effective treatments are available if you treat gum disease early.
 
The most widely used treatment is chlorhexidine, which works by inhibiting the build-up of dental plaque.


Eludril – which contains 0.1 per cent chlorhexidine – is a proven antibacterial and antifungal mouthwash. It comes with a special measuring cup and is used diluted with warm water for maximum efficacy. Eludril is available in three different pack sizes and has a pleasant menthol flavour.
 
Choosing the right toothpaste is equally important. The Elgydium toothpaste range includes Elgydium Anti-Plaque, which also contains chlorhexidine. It is proven to be effective against the key organism that causes gingivitis and gum disease.
 
If you have a problem with tooth decay, try Elgydium Decay Protection. Containing a unique fluoride called Fluorinol, Decay Protection provides quick and intense protection.
 
Also part of the range is Elgydium Whitening which provides non-abrasive polishing and in-depth cleansing due to its micropulverised sodium bicarbonate.
 
For sensitive teeth there is Elgydium Sensitive which contains Fluorinol. It is proven to bind five times more fluoride to the enamel than other fluoride toothpastes.
 
For further information about protecting teeth against gum disease, please contact Nikki Pounds, Ceuta Healthcare on +44 (0)1202 780558, [email protected], or visit www.gumproblems.co.uk.

 

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