If yours is like most families, you probably have a first-aid kit stocked and ready to treat minor injuries. But what happens if you or someone in your household hurts their mouth? Most pre-made medical sets don’t include dental supplies, which is why it’s so important to create a dental emergency kit for your family. Here’s what you should include in it to ensure that you’re prepared to handle a dental emergency.
What to Include in a Dental Emergency Kit
Since most first aid kits contain items that are designed for external use only, a dental emergency kit should be stocked with supplies that can help during an oral health crisis, such as:
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- A spare toothbrush
- A small sealable container
- Gauze
- A tooth mirror
- Tea bags
- Tweezers
- Cotton balls
- Rubber gloves
- Dental wax
- Cotton swabs
- Alcohol wipes
- Petroleum jelly
- Temporary dental filling material
- A cold compress
- Lidocaine numbing ointment
- Over the counter pain medication
- Contact information for your dentist
- Dental floss
- Saline solution
- A handkerchief
- Orabase paste for canker sores
- Tooth preservation kit (available at pharmacies or online)
If anyone in your family wears braces, dentures, or clear aligners, be sure to also include the following:
- Chewies for adjusting aligners
- Aligner Removal Tool
- Retainer cleanser or aligner crystals
- Denture soak
- Denture adhesive
- Floss threaders
- Small Brushes (braces brushes)
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Now that you’ve stocked your dental emergency kit, here are some helpful tips for preventing urgent dental problems from occurring in the first place:
- See your dentist every six months for your preventive exam and cleaning
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss once daily.
- Wear a bite guard if you grind your teeth.
- Wear a sports mouthguard during athletics.
- Never use your teeth to bite fingernails, chew pen caps, or tear packaging.
- If you’re experiencing a dental emergency including toothaches that last longer tha 24 hours, schedule an urgent appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Remember, while it’s not always possible to prevent every dental emergency, having a well-stocked dental emergency kit nearby can help protect your smile and prevent further damage during an oral health crisis. Always contact your dentist after any dental emergency or call 911 immediately if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
About Our Practice
At Penn Dental Arts, Dr. Patel and Dr. Gaspari know that dental emergencies don’t always happen when they’re convenient. That’s why they’re proud to offer same-day appointments and sedation dentistry options for patients who are nervous or afraid. If you or someone in your family is experiencing an urgent dental problem, don’t wait for it to get worse to get help. Call us today at 484-821-2974 and get the help you need without delay!