You’ve heard of a first aid kit, but what about a dental emergency kit? Injuries to the mouth are very common, especially for children. When you’re in a lot of pain, it is most convenient if you already have all of the essentials you need in your own home, but what does that include? Your emergency dentist in Dublin shares a list of items that you should keep in your family’s dental first aid kit just in case of an emergency.
Medical-Grade Gloves
It is good to have gloves on hand just in case someone else needs your help when it comes to their teeth. Using gloves is an important step in order to help prevent the spread of infections and germs. Both latex and vinyl gloves are viable options.
Cotton Balls
If there is bleeding in the mouth, it is good to have some cotton balls or gauze to use in order to apply pressure to the area and make it stop. You should make sure that they are stored properly so they don’t get dirty.
Dental Wax
If someone in your family has braces, they may notice that there can be some irritation to the soft tissues in the mouth when there is a wire or bracket with a pointy edge. You can find orthodontic wax at your local drug store. It helps to sooth this irritation by covering up the trouble spots.
Dental Floss
If you have food stuck between your teeth, this can cause some discomfort and pain. By keeping some dental floss in your emergency kit, you will be able to help dislodge it and get some relief.
Salt
By combining salt with water, you can create a mouth rinse. This can help to relieve pain from an infection and dislodge trapped food in the mouth. Salt is a natural disinfectant that can help your body to speed up the healing process.
Dental Mirror
If you are someone in your family is dealing with an issue in the mouth someplace where you can’t see, you could probably benefit from a dental mirror. You can even find ones with attached lights, so you won’t need to purchase an extra flashlight.
Cold Compress
If you’ve encountered a dental injury and are experiencing pain or swelling, a cold compress can go a long way. It helps to numb the area while also reducing swelling where the trauma has occurred.
Pain Reliever
You should keep your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever in order to deal with pain caused by a dental injury. However, you shouldn’t use aspirin because it is an anticoagulant. This means that it can make it more difficult for blood to clot and ultimately make bleeding worse. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen would make better options.
It pays to be prepared! By gathering these items and keeping it in a kit for your family, you’ll be ready to tackle any dental emergency that comes your way until you are able to get to the emergency dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is involved in several professional organizations so he can continue to expand his knowledge and skills in the field. They include the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, Dr. Buck would be happy to help you get back on your feet. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (614) 792-1800.