Creating a Dental Emergency Kit

You probably have Band-Aids, antiseptic, and gauze in your home to treat minor wounds. However, do you have a first aid kit for your smile? Although you may never expect it to happen to you, 1 and 6 Americans have a dental emergency every year. They can take many forms and occur without any warning. It’s best to be prepared, just in case. Here’s what to include in your dental emergency kit.

Dental Emergency Kit Must-Haves

Dental professionals recommend including a few essential items in your emergency kit, which can mean all the difference when faced with an urgent oral health problem, like:

• Cotton Swabs: Clean wounds or use them as applicators.
• Cotton Balls: Control any bleeding.
• Alcohol Wipes: Clean and disinfect items and areas, like your hands before touching your mouth.
• Dental Floss: Free food particles or objects stuck between teeth.
• Dental Mirror: Get a better view of the inside of your mouth.
• Dental Wax: Coat sharp edges on braces, oral appliances, and broken teeth to reduce irritation.
• Petroleum Jelly: Fit a lost crown over a tooth to create a temporary seal to hold the restoration in place until you see your dentist.
• Salt Water: Rinse debris from your mouth and kill germs. Salt water can also reduce pain and inflammation.

Don’t wait to contact your dentist, or a small issue can become a big problem. Your dentist will provide the quick care you need.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Although you can’t prevent all dental emergencies, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of one, like:

• Commit to Your Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice daily. Floss every night to keep your gums healthy.
• Break Bad Oral Habits: Avoid chewing on inedible objects, like pens or your fingernails. Don’t use your teeth in place of scissors or other tools, like loosening bottle lids.
• Visit Your Dentist: Schedule a cleaning and checkup every 6 months to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your dentist will ensure there aren’t any dental issues in your mouth.
• Wear a Mouthguard: Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
• Treat Bruxism: Safeguard your teeth from grinding and clenching by wearing a nightguard.

Although you can’t always stop dental emergencies from happening, you can lessen your risk by giving your teeth the attention they deserve. With a few precautions, you can ensure an unplanned trip to your dentist doesn’t ruin your day.

About Dr. George R. Stoddard

Dr. Stoddard earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center and achieved his AEGD from the LSU School of Dentistry. He regularly pursues continuing education in many specialties. If you need an emergency dentist, request an appointment through our website or call (903) 309-1509.