You are probably prepared for an accident or emergency at home and have a first aid kit at the ready, but what about your teeth? It is also important that you have an emergency dental kit put together so that if you lose a tooth, suffer a chip or break, or experience any trauma to your mouth, you have supplies available to help you until you’re able to see your dentist. Here are some of the things that you need to include when preparing your home kit.
SAVE-A-TOOTH SYSTEM
A Save-A-Tooth System is a small jar containing saline solution that is compatible with bodily fluids. If you knock out a permanent tooth, place it in this container and get in to see your dentist right away.
TEMPORARY FILLING MATERIALS
Temporary cement for crowns and fillings can help you to get by for a short time before you see a dentist. Simply place the material over your tooth if a filling or crown falls out.
BLEEDING CONTROL SUPPLIES
If you suffer a mouth injury that is bleeding, you’ll need to control that bleeding with supplies like sterile gauze and hydrogen peroxide. Tea bags can also help – just place a wet tea bag inside of a piece of gauze and hold it over the wound.
PAIN CONTROL
If you are suffering from a toothache, you’ll need some pain control supplies. Floss and toothpicks can help you to get items out that might be lodged between your teeth, and an ice pack can reduce both pain and swelling. Clove oil, Anbesol, or over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol are also helpful.
DENTAL WAX
If anyone in your house has braces, wax is an essential component of your emergency care kit. This can help with irritation due to braces that might be rubbing up against the inside of the mouth. Make sure that you contact our office for a follow-up with an appointment.