Your Guide to Building the Perfect Emergency Dental Kit
Accidents happen and sometimes those accidents affect our teeth. Whether it’s falling off a bike or biting into something hard, dental emergencies can be painful and often costly. To be prepared for any dental emergency brings a sense of relief, but it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what items you need in your dental emergency kit. Here’s a guide to assembling the perfect emergency dental kit and what to keep in it.
Dental Exam Kit
A dental exam kit is an essential item to have in your emergency dental kit. It includes all the tools you need to give yourself a quick check-up. Toothbrushes, floss, a tooth pick, and rubber gloves are important items to keep in your dental exam kit. You should also consider packing a small dental mirror so you can get a better look at any mouth injuries.
Toothache Relief
Having a toothache can be intense, so it’s essential to have toothache relief items in your emergency dental kit. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can work as temporary relief until you can get a real check-up from your dentist. You might also want to include a topical numbing gel to provide more immediate relief.
Dental Emergency Supplies
If you experience a dental emergency, there are some items you should have on hand. Dental wax is great for protecting a loose wire or filling and can be applied directly to any exposed areas. Temporary filling material can be used for a cracked or broken tooth. You should also include some puncture-proof gauze and tools for cleaning up any mess from a broken tooth. If a tooth is knocked loose, salt water can be used to rinse the area.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Your emergency dental kit should also include a regular toothbrush and toothpaste. This combination can be used to clean the teeth and mouth area, or to brush away any remaining debris. It’s best to buy travel sizes of these two items and to keep them in your emergency dental kit at all times.
Additional Supplies
To complete your emergency dental kit, you can add a few more items. A thermometer can allow you to measure your temperature if you have a fever. An ice pack can help lessen any pain or swelling in the mouth. High-quality swabs can be used to clean the gums around any injured teeth. Lastly, it can be useful to include a list of emergency numbers for your dental office and a list of any medications you’re taking.
Having an emergency dental kit can save you a lot of time, money, and pain in the event of a dental emergency. As you assemble your kit, double check that all the items are in useable condition and the expiration date on any medications. Keep your emergency dental kit somewhere easy to access in case of an emergency and you’ll be one step closer to ensuring your dental health.
