Most people have a designated kit at home, in the car, and at work to handle any urgent medical problems they may run into, but neglect to make one for their teeth! Dental emergencies can strike at any time, and being properly prepared can help you avert potential disasters. If you’re not sure what needs to be included, you’re not alone! Thankfully, your dentist has put together the following information, so you’ll be ready if you ever find yourself in the middle of an oral crisis. Keep reading to learn more!
What Should I Include in My Dental Emergency Kit?
Try though you might, you can never entirely anticipate when you might have a dental accident. A few items that can help get you through some typical dental emergencies include:
- A toothbrush. It’s always a good idea to have a toothbrush available in case you need to clean your mouth after something happens or before placing a temporary restoration.
- Floss. If you have something that gets stuck in your teeth while you’re out and about, this might be just what you need to remove it.
- A dental mirror. This allows you to view areas of your mouth that you wouldn’t be able to see otherwise to identify potential issues like cavities, chips, or cracks.
- Tweezers. Teeth and restorations can chip or fracture, and this small device can easily grasp any broken pieces.
- Dental wax. For those with braces, this material can be used to cover the brackets, so the metal doesn’t rub sores into the soft tissues inside your mouth. It can also be applied if your tooth breaks and leaves behind jagged edges.
- Temporary restoration material. This can be purchased over the counter and used to temporarily fill the space left behind by a dislodged filling or restoration.
- Gauze. If you sustain a blow to the face or have a cut in your mouth, you can apply clean gauze to the wound and bite down gently but firmly to slow down any bleeding.
- Tea bags. Tea contains tannins that can constrict your blood vessels and can also slow down bleeding if you have an accident.
- Small container. If your tooth or dental work falls out, you’ll need somewhere to store it until you can get to your dentist’s office. Keeping a waterproof container in your emergency kit ensures you’ll have a safe place when you need one.
- Pain management options. If you’re hurting, you’ll want fast relief. Keeping ice packs, oral anesthetic, and pain medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen are all great ways to alleviate your aches. Try to avoid aspirin, though, because it can cause excess bleeding.
Keeping these items easily avaialble means that you’ll be ready should you ever have an unexpected dental emergency!
About the Author
Dr. Raj Vekariya strives to eliminate stress from his patients’ lives by providing a wide range of top-quality dental services, including emergency care. He first worked as a dentist in India and then attended New York University’s College of Dentistry after he moved to the U.S. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree there and completed his Certificate program in Esthetic and Comprehensive Dentistry. That means he’s an expert who can handle all your dental needs, whether you require simple preventative care or more complex procedures. If you’ve had an emergency and need to be seen urgently, you’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (724) 300-3700.