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You’ve booked the flights, reserved the hotel, and started counting down the days until your summer holiday. But here’s a question that probably hasn’t crossed your mind: when did you last see a dentist?
It might seem like an odd thing to worry about when you’re busy planning excursions and packing sunscreen, but dental emergencies abroad are far more common than most people realise—and they’re absolutely miserable when they happen. At Kissdental, we see a predictable surge of emergency appointments every September from patients who’ve returned from summer holidays with dental disasters that could easily have been prevented.
Whether you’re heading to Spain for two weeks or embarking on a round-the-world adventure, a pre-travel dental check-up isn’t just sensible—it could be the difference between holiday memories and holiday nightmares.
If you’ve ever experienced a dental emergency whilst abroad, you’ve probably wondered why it couldn’t have waited until you got home. The frustrating truth is that holidays create the perfect conditions for latent dental problems to become acute emergencies.
Air pressure changes during flights can aggravate existing issues you didn’t even know you had. When you fly, the air pressure in your sinuses changes, which can put pressure on the roots of your upper back teeth. If you’ve got an untreated cavity, a crack in a tooth, or an infection brewing beneath the surface, that pressure change can transform a minor problem into excruciating pain at 35,000 feet.
Temperature extremes test vulnerable teeth. That ice-cold mojito by the pool or the piping hot coffee at breakfast can trigger sensitivity or pain in teeth with worn enamel, exposed roots, or hidden cracks. At home, you might unconsciously avoid very cold or hot foods if you’ve got sensitive teeth. On holiday, when you’re trying new drinks and foods, you don’t have those protective habits in place.
Crunchy holiday foods reveal weak spots. Crusty bread, nuts, ice cubes in drinks, and harder foods than you might normally eat can crack teeth that are already compromised by old fillings, wear, or decay. Dr Will Noble, our Partner and Clinical Director who holds a postgraduate Diploma in Endodontics, frequently sees patients who’ve cracked teeth on holiday foods—often teeth that had existing weaknesses that simply needed the right trigger.
You’re more likely to notice problems when you’re relaxed. This might sound counterintuitive, but many people are so busy and stressed in daily life that they’ve learned to ignore minor dental discomfort. On holiday, when you slow down and relax, you become more aware of that niggling sensitivity or occasional twinge you’ve been dismissing for months. Unfortunately, awareness often strikes just when you’re furthest from your regular dentist.
Understanding which dental problems are most likely to flare up during travel helps you identify risks before you leave. Here are the emergencies we most commonly see in patients returning from abroad:
Dental abscesses and infections top the list. An abscess occurs when bacteria infect the pulp inside your tooth, often due to deep decay or a crack. The warning signs before travel include:
Dr Noble specialises in complex root canal cases and can often save teeth that other practices might extract. His advice is simple: “If you’ve been experiencing any sensitivity or discomfort in a specific tooth, don’t wait. Even if it seems minor, that’s exactly the situation that becomes a painful abscess when you’re abroad. We can investigate, identify the problem, and treat it before you travel.”
Lost or loose fillings are another frequent holiday disaster. Older amalgam fillings can crack or work loose over time, and the stress of chewing crunchy foods whilst on holiday often provides the final push. Before travel, pay attention to:
Dr Lowri Hannah, who joined Kissdental after graduating from Cardiff University in 2015 and holds MFDS qualifications plus a diploma in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, takes a minimally invasive approach to replacing problematic fillings. Her philosophy focuses on preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible whilst ensuring restorations are durable enough to withstand the rigours of holiday eating.
Cracked or chipped teeth might seem like purely cosmetic concerns, but even small chips can have sharp edges that irritate your tongue or cheeks, making eating uncomfortable. More seriously, cracks can extend into the tooth’s interior, leading to pain or infection. Warning signs include:
Gum problems and periodontitis can worsen dramatically when your oral hygiene routine is disrupted by travel. If you’ve been neglecting your gums or skipping dental hygiene appointments, holiday travel often provides the tipping point. Watch for:
The good news is that nearly all holiday dental emergencies are preventable with the right pre-travel care. Here’s what we recommend based on your situation:
For everyone: A comprehensive check-up at least two weeks before departure. This timing is crucial—it gives us time to identify problems and treat them whilst still allowing for healing before you travel. During this appointment, we’ll:
For teeth with symptoms: Definitive treatment before travel. If you’ve been experiencing any sensitivity, pain, or discomfort, now is absolutely the time to address it. Dr Noble’s Endodontics training means he can handle complex root canal cases that eliminate infection and pain. Dr Hannah’s minimally invasive approach can repair small problems before they become big ones.
“I always tell patients that if something’s bothering them, it will bother them more on holiday,” says Dr Hannah. “The stress of travel, changes in air pressure, and different foods all amplify existing problems. What feels like mild sensitivity at home can become debilitating pain abroad. Prevention is so much better than trying to find emergency dental care in a foreign country.”
For old or questionable fillings: Replacement whilst you’re still home. If any of your fillings are more than 10 years old, or if you’ve noticed any changes in how they feel, consider having them replaced before travel. Modern composite fillings are more durable and better sealed than older restorations, significantly reducing the risk of problems whilst you’re away.
For gum concerns: A thorough hygiene session. Our hygienists—Vicci, Allyson, and Chloe—can provide deep cleaning that removes tartar build-up and treats early-stage gum disease. If you haven’t seen a hygienist in the past six months, book an appointment before your holiday. Healthy gums are far less likely to cause problems whilst you’re travelling.
Vicci, who qualified as both a Dental Hygienist and Therapist and has been with Kissdental since graduating in 2008, emphasises the importance of gum health: “Many people don’t realise that inflamed gums can become quite painful, especially when your immune system is slightly compromised by travel stress or changes in diet. A professional clean before you go can make a huge difference.”
Even with perfect preventative care, it’s sensible to pack a small dental emergency kit in your luggage. Here’s what we recommend:
One of the most stressful aspects of dental emergencies abroad is the cost. Emergency dental treatment in many countries can be expensive, and you’re often at the mercy of whoever is available rather than able to choose your dentist.
If you’re a Denplan Essentials member through Kissdental, your mandatory supplementary insurance provides valuable cover for emergency situations:
At just £16.20 per month plus a one-time £15 registration fee for new members, Denplan Essentials not only covers your routine check-ups and hygiene appointments (up to 2 examinations and 4 hygiene treatments per year) but also provides peace of mind when you travel.
Our entire philosophy at Kissdental is built around preventing problems rather than simply responding to emergencies. This approach is particularly important for travellers, because prevention is always easier, cheaper, and less stressful than dealing with emergencies abroad.
Dr Kailesh Solanki, who founded Kissdental in 2005 and serves as principal dentist across our eight North West locations, built the dental practice on a foundation of patient education and preventative care. “We want our patients to understand their own oral health,” he explains. “When you know what warning signs to watch for and you have problems addressed early, you’re far less likely to experience emergencies—whether you’re at home or abroad.”
This educational approach extends throughout our team. Whether you’re seeing Dr Noble for complex endodontic work, Dr Hannah for minimally invasive restorations, or any of our hygienists for preventative care, you’ll always receive clear explanations about what we’re seeing, why it matters, and what your options are.
For nervous patients who’ve been avoiding dental care due to anxiety, Dr Solanki is Dental Phobia Certified and qualified to provide both oral and intravenous sedation. Don’t let dental fear prevent you from getting the pre-travel check-up you need—we can ensure your appointment is completely comfortable.
Even with the best preparation, unexpected dental problems can occasionally occur whilst travelling. Here’s what to do:
For immediate pain relief:
For a lost filling or crown:
For a knocked-out tooth:
For a dental abscess:
If you’re a Denplan member, call the 24-hour emergency helpline for assistance finding care. Otherwise, contact your travel insurance provider and ask for guidance. Most European countries have excellent emergency dental services available.
Summer holidays should be about relaxation, adventure, and making memories—not sitting in unfamiliar dental clinics dealing with emergencies. The solution is remarkably simple: book a comprehensive check-up before you travel.
At Kissdental, we recommend scheduling this appointment at least two weeks before departure. This timing allows us to:
If it’s been more than six months since your last check-up, or if you’ve been experiencing any dental symptoms at all, contact us immediately to schedule your pre-travel appointment. With eight convenient locations across Manchester (Green Quarter, Cheetham Hill, Flixton, and Altrincham), Cheshire (Alderley Edge and Knutsford), Liverpool, and Bury, we can typically accommodate urgent appointments.
Don’t let a preventable dental emergency ruin your summer holiday. Book your pre-travel check-up at Kissdental today and travel with complete confidence that your smile is protected. Call us on 0161 871 9426 or contact your nearest location directly.
Your holiday should be memorable for all the right reasons—not for the emergency dentist visit you had to make in the middle of it.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dental advice. Every patient is different, and treatment outcomes vary. Please consult a qualified dental professional at Kissdental for advice specific to your situation. All treatments are carried out by GDC-registered dentists.
Reviewed by Dr Kailesh Solanki, Founder of Kissdental
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dental advice. Every patient is different, and treatment outcomes vary. Please consult a qualified dental professional at Kissdental for advice specific to your situation. All treatments are carried out by GDC-registered dentists.
Reviewed by Dr Kailesh Solanki, Founder of Kissdental
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