Most people have a first aid kit lying somewhere around their house in case they need a band-aid. Some have even taken classes about how to handle certain medical emergencies they might encounter at home. However, not many people think about or know how to handle dental emergencies. Unfortunately, injuries to the teeth and mouth are more common than you might think, and knowing how to deal with them is essential to protect your smile. To help you prepare, here is how to build a kit for dental emergencies.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
If you’re not sure whether you have a dental emergency or not, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Calling your dentist is the best way to figure out how severe the issue is and if you require urgent care.
Toothaches or external damage to your teeth (chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth) need to be addressed as soon as possible. This is particularly true if you’ve lost an adult tooth, which needs to be treated in 60 minutes or less for the highest chance of saving it.
As a general rule, if you have broken a dental restoration or are experiencing significant pain or discomfort, contact your dentist. It’s better to be safe than sorry; there is no compromising when it comes to your oral health.
What Items Should Go in My Dental Emergency Kit?
Make sure everything you get for your kit goes in an air-tight container. Your dental emergency kit should have the following:
- Cotton balls, cotton swabs, and gauze
- Dental floss
- Dental mirror
- Dental wax
- Latex gloves
- Orabase (paste for mouth ulcers and canker sores)
- Pain management options (topical anesthetic, ice pack or cold compress, and ibuprofen)
- Petroleum jelly
- Small container (for knocked-out teeth)
- Toothbrushes
- Tweezers
Dental emergencies can happen seemingly out of nowhere. However, you can prepare for them ahead of time by building a dental emergency kit that can help you manage the pain and discomfort until you get in contact with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. John Bonds provides a wide array of dental services to protect your smile, ranging from preventive care to emergency dentistry. For dental emergencies, Dr. Bonds offers same-day appointments, multiple options for dental sedation, and comprehensive exams. His team is highly experienced in handling stressful dental emergencies and will calmly walk you through how to manage them from the start of your phone call until after your appointment. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Bonds through his website or by phone at (972) 635-8004.
