No one ever wants to find themselves in the middle of a dental emergency, but unfortunately, they can strike at any time. Whether you’ve developed a sudden toothache or realize a dental restoration as lost or damaged, acting quickly can often make a world of difference when it comes to saving your smile.
While you can’t anticipate when you might find yourself in an urgent situation, you can take steps to be prepared. That way, if you do end up with an unpleasant oral issue, you’ll be able to take steps to manage it until you’re able to see your dentist. One easy way to prepare is by creating your own dental emergency kit!
Keep reading to learn about five important items to include that can help you protect your grin.
Item #1: Cotton Swabs/Balls
If you’ve sustained an injury or have bleeding teeth or gums, pressing a clean cotton ball firmly to the wound can slow or stop any bleeding. These can also be used to clean an affected area or as applicators when necessary.
Item #2: Floss
When pieces of food or other objects become lodged in your teeth, they can be both frustrating and harmful. They might irritate your gum tissue until they’re removed and can also attract bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping dental floss in your kit ensures that you’ll have some available to safely remove anything that gets stuck without causing additional harm.
Item #3: Dental Mirror
Your teeth are arranged in two arches, which makes it difficult to see all their surfaces if a problem arises. You might feel a toothache or sharp twinge, but if you can’t see what’s happening, it’s impossible to identify the cause of your discomfort or visually assess the extent of the damage. A dental mirror allows you to see the hard-to-reach corners of your mouth more easily.
Item #4: Dental Wax
If you’ve ever had braces or knew someone who did, you may already be familiar with dental wax. This material is malleable and can be placed over orthodontics or other sharp edges (like from broken teeth) to protect the tender tissues inside your mouth. Plus, it can also temporarily hold a lost restoration in place until you reach your dentist’s office.
Item #5: Salt & Bottled Water
Salt is a natural disinfectant that’s less abrasive on teeth and gums than an antiseptic rinse. Keeping some in your kit, along with a bottle of water, means that you’ll be able to create a saltwater solution to rinse your mouth out if it’s injured or to safely stow a tooth that’s been broken or dislodged.
Now that you have a better idea of what to store in your dental emergency kit, you’ll be prepared for the worst while you continue to hope for the best!
About the Author
Dr. Mike Rudolph has 30+ years of experience helping people of all ages improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. He earned his dental degree from the Maryland School of Dentistry and is now an active member of the American Dental Association and other professional organizations. He offers a full array of services so that you and your family can conveniently meet all your dental needs under one roof. By combining a welcoming environment with state-of-the-art equipment, he helps you feel calm and comfortable while delivering accurate results. If you’re having an issue that requires immediate attention, you can request an emergency appointment on the website or call (574) 269-1787.