Build Your Own Dental First Aid Kit Today
It’s wise for every family to have an extensive first aid kit on hand in case of sprained ankles and burned skin, but what about caring for your teeth in an emergency? You never know when a dental crisis could strike, such as if your child chips a tooth in an accident or you lose your dental crown.
It’s easy to build your own dental first aid kit or purchase one online for peace of mind in case you ever need to access it during an emergency. Here are 14 items you need to include:
- Medical gloves: Even if you feel comfortable reaching directly into your child’s mouth, it’s more sanitary to don a pair of gloves first. This helps keep germs from transferring to your child’s mouth from your hands. Be sure to choose non-latex versions to avert potential allergic reactions.
- Gauze pads: Place this product on any wounds in the mouth to stop the bleeding. You can also hold the tongue with a piece of gauze to get a better grip than trying to hold it with slippery gloves.
- Hydrogen peroxide: A staple in any first aid kit, this disinfectant helps you clean up blood after an accident.
- Ice pack: Cold can help reduce the swelling after an accident. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the cheek intermittently – 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off – until the swelling subsides.
- Orajel or Anbesol: In addition to icing the affected area, consider applying a dab of over-the-counter oral anesthetic. Both brands are quite effective at reducing tooth pain.
- Pain relievers: Another first aid kit staple, pain relieving medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can further reduce pain from an aching tooth. Be careful to administer the medication as directed on the bottle.
- Lighted dental mirror: If a tooth chips or falls out, it’s wise to examine the person’s mouth closely for any remaining pieces of tooth. A dental mirror, especially one with a built-in light, is helpful for examining around the tongue.
- Save-a-Tooth system: Available for purchase online, Save-a-Tooth is a kit containing saline solution compatible with the human body. Place a lost tooth in the solution to help preserve it until you can get to the dentist. Even with this product in your dental first aid kit, you still need to schedule an emergency dental appointment with Evanson DDS since a tooth can only be outside the socket for a few hours before the chance of a successful re-implantation goes downhill.
- Mouth guard: If you have an accident that leaves your teeth jagged but not in pain, a mouth guard protects your lips and mouth from being cut. This tool can also be used to temporarily hold a lost tooth in its proper position. Both solutions are very temporary and meant to only last up to a few hours until you can see Dr. Evanson.
- Temporary crown and filling material: While you need to see Dr. Evanson as soon as possible if a crown or filling falls out, temporary dental adhesives can keep the product in place for a short time and prevent exposure of the sensitive parts of your tooth.
- Clove oil: Known as eugenol to dentists, this oil has a sedative effect on dental pulp. Many dentists apply a drop to help calm teeth after having a deep filling put in. You can do the same if you experience tooth pain caused by a lost crown or filling.
- Spare toothbrush: If you lose a crown or filling, brush the newly exposed tooth to clean it before attempting to temporarily replace the material.
- Tweezers: This tool helps you get a hold of the small crown or filling material so you can place it back in the correct position.
- Dental wax: If anyone in your family has braces, keep wax on hand to help with irritation.
If you or your child experiences a dental crisis, contact Evanson DDS online or call (720) 409-0008 to schedule an emergency appointment. We can usually arrange same-day appointments to tackle your dilemma.
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