Be Prepared For A Dental Emergency

A dental emergency can arise at just about any time and place. A dental emergency can occur as a loose crown, fractured tooth, or even a toothache. Many homes and even cars have emergency first aid kits in case of a medical emergency. Most do not even think twice about a dental emergency until it happens. Are you ready for a dental emergency?

Dental Emergency Items To Include in a Dental First Aid Kit

–Pain Medication

This can include Motrin or Aleve. Just something to relieve the pain until you can see your dentist for better pain relief. Do not use aspirin as this will inhibit clotting.

–Cotton or Gauze pads

These come in handy if there is any bleeding from an injury or even to have the patient bite down on to relieve some of the pressure. It also comes in handy if you have irritation from your braces or a denture. You can place the cotton or gauze in between the appliance and the sore to relive some of the discomfort.

–Wax

Another handy item to cover up areas of irritation like orthodontic brackets or wires.

–Floss

This can come in handy to remove food debris that gets lodged between teeth and beneath the gums that cause pain and discomfort.

–“Save A Tooth” System

This is for transporting teeth that have fallen out so that you have a better chance for long term survival once re-implanted.

–Teabags

These are great for stopping bleeding following oral surgery or even a trauma in the mouth. Research suggests that bags containing tea from the plant camellia sinensis is better than herbal tea for this purpose. Tea bags may also be soothing if you bite your lip, cheek, or tongue.

–Denture Adhesive Paste

This can be used even if you do not have dentures. In addition to using it to secure dentures, it can also be used to temporarily secure a crown or bridge that has fallen out. A good example of this is Fixodent.

–Temporary filling material

This material tends to work better than wax for temporary replacement of a missing filling.

–Dental Mirror and Spatula

The mirror can come in handy if the emergency is back in the mouth and the spatula is necessary for using any temporary filling material in the mouth.

–Instant Ice Packs

These packs can come in handy if there is any trauma to the mouth or face.

–Topical Anesthetic

This can give temporary relief for denture sores, gum irritation, cold sores, canker sores, or sores from simply biting your lip, tongue, or cheek.

-Packets of Salt

These can be helpful if rinsing is necessary, as salt water helps clean and irrigate out wounds.

–Package of Colgate Wisps

This handy dental hygiene tool acts as toothbrush as well as a toothpick. These can help remove foreign objects lodged between your teeth.

–Orabase

A paste used for healing canker sores or sore mouths.

–Dentist Contact Information

Most dentists can be reached after hours via an emergency telephone line.

Dental Emergency Conclusion

All of the items listed above are readily available in most homes as well as drug stores. You can make a kit for at home and in your car for on the road. You never know when a dental emergency might arise and this dental emergency kit can be a life saver or should I say tooth saver! As always visit your dentist regularly for dental examinations and professional cleanings as well as for follow up to any at home dental emergency.