While most people probably have or have heard of a first aid kit, many people have never even considered a dental emergency kit. But while bandages and antiseptic wipes may be helpful for a scraped knee, there’s very little a first aid kit can do if there’s a problem with your teeth.
Here’s how to stay prepared in an oral health emergency by creating your own dental emergency kit!
What to Include in Your Dental Emergency Kit
Because you can’t always treat your mouth with the same type of products as the rest of your body, your dental emergency kit needs to be stocked with a variety of items that are safe for use orally. These include:
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- A toothbrush
- Dental wax
- Cotton swabs
- Alcohol wipes
- Petroleum jelly
- Temporary dental filling material
- A cold compress
- Lidocaine numbing ointment
- A small sealable container
- Gauze
- A tooth mirror
- Tea bags
- Tweezers
- Cotton balls
- Rubber gloves
- Over the counter pain medication
- Contact information for your dentist
- Dental floss
- Saline solution
- A handkerchief
- Orabase paste for canker sores
If you have any members of the family that wear braces or dentures, you should also add:
- Chewies for adjusting aligners
- An aligner removal tool
- Floss threaders
- Small Brushes (braces brushes)
- Retainer cleanser or aligner crystals
- Denture soak
- Denture adhesive
Preventing A Dental Emergency
While preparing yourself for dental emergencies is an excellent first step, it works even better when you take measures to prevent one from occurring in the first place. Here are a few important and easy ways to protect yourself and avoid an urgent dental problem:
- Be sure to attend your biannual dental exam and cleaning
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss at least once daily
- Wear a bite guard if you grind your teeth
- Wear a sports mouthguard during athletics
- Never use your teeth to bite your fingernails, chew pen caps, or to tear packaging
- Schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist if you have tooth pain that lasts longer than 24 hours, or if you notice any changes to your teeth and gums.
Remember, while it’s not always possible to prevent every dental emergency, having a well-stocked dental emergency kit on hand can help make these situations a lot easier. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please don’t hesitate to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
About Our Practice
At 21st Century Dental of Irving, we know that dental emergencies don’t always happen when it’s convenient. That’s why we’re open early, and we even offer same-day emergency appointments. If you’re struggling with unexpected tooth or gum problems, don’t wait until your biannual exam and cleaning to get help. Call us today at 972-255-3712 or for less urgent matters, request an appointment on our website.