If you’re like many people, you probably don’t expect a dental emergency to affect you. However, it’s more common than you might realize, which is why it’s important to have an emergency kit handy. 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency every year. It’s best to prepare for the unexpected. Here’s what you should include in your dental emergency kit.
Basic Dental Emergency Kit
Dental emergencies can take many forms, so it’s best to include a few things in your kit that can be used for the most common situations, including:
- Cotton Swabs: Great for cleaning wounds or to use as applicators.
- Cotton Balls: Can be used to control bleeding.
- Alcohol Wipes: Use to clean and disinfect areas, including your hands, before touching your mouth.
- Dental Floss: Traditional waxed floss can help free food particles or objects stuck between teeth.
- Dental Mirror: A small mirror will give you a better view of the inside of your mouth.
- Dental Wax: Wax can coat sharp edges on braces or other oral appliances to reduce inflammation.
- Petroleum Jelly: Petroleum jelly can make it easier to slip a lost crown back over a tooth. It can also create a temporary seal to hold the restoration in place until your appointment.
- Salt: A salt water rinse can clean debris from your mouth and kill germs. It can also reduce inflammation and pain.
Managing a Dental Emergency
Although no one has time for an unplanned trip to the dentist, don’t delay getting the care you need. As with any emergency, time is of the utmost importance. It’s best to contact your dentist right away for an appointment and provide the appropriate first aid at home. Depending on the issue, here’s what you can do:
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it with water before reinserting it into the socket. If you can’t get it back into place, put it in a glass of milk and bring it with you to your dentist.
- Dislodged Tooth: Push the tooth back into position and bite on a piece of gauze to hold it in place.
- Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with salt water and avoid placing pressure on the tooth until it has been repaired.
- Toothache: Take an OTC pain reliever to manage any discomfort and eat soft foods. Sleep with your pillow elevated to prevent blood from pooling in your head.
- Object Stuck Between Teeth: Use dental floss to remove the object. Never use sharp or metal instruments.
Your dentist will get you into the office quickly and provide the personalized care you need to stop your pain and save your smile.
About Dr. Alison Garrad
Dr. Garrad earned her dental degree from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry and has regularly continued her education in many advanced specialties, like restorative dentistry and dental implants. She is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. If you need a dentist in a hurry, request an appointment through our website or call (903) 412-5300.
