Even with great oral health, dental emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Whether playing sports or biting into something hard, a broken tooth or mouth injury can turn a pleasant day into a stressful situation. Being ready with the right tools can ease your concerns if this occurs. Keep reading to find out what you should include in your dental emergency kit.
General Supplies
Dental injuries can vary in severity, from a mild toothache to a knocked-out tooth, requiring different responses. To be well-prepared, stock your dental emergency kit with these first-aid essentials:
- An ice pack or cold compress
- Gauze
- Salt
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Latex gloves
- Ibuprofen
Dental-Injury Specific Must-Haves
Alongside the essential items for injuries mentioned earlier, ensure your dental emergency kit includes specific tools for tooth-related injuries. Here are a few items you should have:
- Temporary dental filling material
- Orajel (toothache medication)
- Dental floss
- Dental wax
- Orabase (a local anesthetic)
- A dental/mouth mirror
- Petroleum jelly
What to Do If a Dental Emergency Strikes
Many patients overlook preparing for a dental emergency because they don’t expect one to happen. However, waiting until after an incident to assemble a dental emergency kit isn’t as effective as doing it beforehand. Instead, it’s best to contact your dentist immediately. They can guide you through the next steps and provide information about emergency procedures.
If they can’t see you right away or if you’re bleeding or uncomfortable, having a dental emergency kit ready can be very useful. It can help prevent the situation from worsening while you wait for dental treatment. Moreover, if the incident occurs outside of office hours, their voicemail may provide instructions on what to do in the interim.
Armed with the knowledge of what to include in a dental emergency kit, you can calmly address the initial panic that often accompanies a tooth-related injury. This preparation can make a crucial difference, potentially preventing a dental crisis and ensuring a healthy, restored smile!
About the Practice
At OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics, our priority is ensuring every patient feels welcomed and cared for as soon as they step into our office. Whether you’ve experienced damage to a restoration, tooth, or any other part of your mouth, our dedicated team is committed to providing the necessary repairs to restore your smile. If you’re looking to schedule an appointment with OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics or wish to learn more about our comprehensive services, please feel free to contact our office at (469) 526-4040 or visit our website.