Dr. Balling and his staff are wonderful. I was in an emergent situation with an abscess tooth and not able to get into my own dentist office. He and his staff were able to squeeze me in during their lunch time & able to help save my tooth. He was very patient & caring, took the time to explain everything to me. He took 3D images and x-rays of my tooth and deemed it savable!! (After being told there was no chance to save my took from an emergency dental association in Center City Philadelphia who wanted to extract my tooth) I am eternally grateful to Dr. Balling and his staff for their professional expertise and compassion for my situation. Thank you all at Stratford Dental Center. I found my new Dental practice and I love it! <3

Summer road trips create lasting memories with family and friends. However, a dental emergency in Stratford, NJ or anywhere along your journey can quickly turn a fun adventure into a stressful situation.
Being prepared with a well-stocked dental emergency kit can save your vacation and keep everyone comfortable until you can reach professional help.
If you need urgent dental care, call 856-595-0059 to reach Stratford Dental Center.
Essential Items for Your Dental Emergency Kit
Your travel dental kit should include basic supplies that address common dental problems. These items take up minimal space in your luggage but provide maximum peace of mind.
Pain Relief Supplies:
- Over-the-counter pain medication (e.g. ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
- Topical numbing gel containing benzocaine
- Cold compress or instant ice pack
- Small towel for applying cold therapy
Cleaning and Protection Items:
- Travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss or floss picks
- Antiseptic mouthwash in a small bottle
- Gauze pads for bleeding control
- Cotton swabs for gentle cleaning
Emergency Repair Materials:
- Temporary dental cement from the pharmacy
- Sugar-free gum for loose fillings
- Dental wax to cover sharp edges
- Small mirror for examining your mouth
- Tweezers for removing debris
Common Road Trip Dental Problems
Long car rides and eating unfamiliar foods can lead to various dental issues. Understanding what might happen helps you respond quickly and effectively.
Road trips can create unexpected dental challenges. Crunching on hard snacks like ice cubes or peanuts can crack even strong teeth. Chewy treats such as taffy or caramel may grab onto fillings and yank them loose. Exploring new regional foods often leads to particles wedging between teeth. Long hours behind the wheel can cause you to clench your jaw, creating soreness and tension.
Managing Dental Issues While Traveling
Keep your cool when dental problems arise during your trip. Start by taking a close look at what’s happening in your mouth. If you’re dealing with throbbing pain, follow the dosage instructions on pain relievers carefully. Mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish gently to fight inflammation and germs.
Damaged teeth need immediate attention. Collect any tooth fragments and rinse everything with lukewarm water. Ice wrapped in a soft cloth can help control swelling when held against your cheek. Missing fillings create sensitive spots that need protection. Clean the empty space carefully, then seal it temporarily with pharmacy cement or plain sugar-free gum.
Trapped food particles require patience and the right approach. Start with gentle flossing motions to work debris loose. Avoid using fingernails, safety pins, or other pointed items that could injure your gums or push food deeper into tight spaces.
Smart Travel Choices for Oral Health
Choose your road trip snacks wisely to protect your teeth. Soft options like bananas, cheese, or crackers are much safer than hard pretzels or jawbreakers. Ice might seem refreshing, but crunching on frozen cubes can easily crack teeth. Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth from getting too dry.
Keep up with your daily oral care habits even when sleeping in hotels or camping. Bring backup toothbrushes and travel-sized supplies in case your main items get misplaced.
Recognizing Serious Dental Situations
Certain problems need professional care right away, not just first aid. Intense pain that doesn’t improve with medication signals a serious issue. Heavy bleeding that continues despite applying pressure requires immediate attention. Completely knocked-out teeth have the best chance of being saved if treated within an hour.
If you experience a dental emergency in Stratford during your travels, find professional help instead of trying to tough it out until you get home.
A well-prepared dental emergency kit gives you confidence to handle minor issues and provides comfort until professional help is available. Remember that these are temporary solutions, and you should schedule a follow-up appointment when you return from your trip.
Ready to ensure your smile stays healthy all summer long? Contact Stratford Dental Center today to schedule your pre-vacation checkup and discuss any concerns about dental emergency in Stratford situations. Our friendly team will help you travel with confidence, knowing your oral health is in excellent condition.
Call 856-595-0059 for urgent dental care. You can also make an appointment online for routine treatment.