Though you might try, it’s impossible to anticipate when or how a dental emergency will occur. You might suddenly develop a severe or persistent toothache or suffer an injury that chips, breaks, or even fully dislodges a tooth.
When you’re in an urgent situation, it’s essential to act quickly to preserve your smile. An emergency kit equipped with everything you need can protect your pearly whites until you arrive at your dentist’s office. If you don’t already have one put together, continue reading to learn more about five helpful things to include so you’re prepared for the unexpected!
Item #1: Cotton Swabs/Balls
If you participate in team sports or high-contact activities, a single blow to the face could injure a tooth or lacerate the soft tissue inside your mouth. Pressing a clean cotton ball to the area or biting down on one firmly can slow any bleeding or oozing. Plus, these can be used to apply numbing gel or other materials.
Item #2: Alcohol Wipes
Your mouth contains bacteria that contribute to many dental issues, like cavities, gum disease, abscesses, and infections. If you’ve sustained an injury or developed a problem, these wipes can sanitize your hands and any instruments you’re using to keep unwanted germs at bay.
Item #3: Dental Floss
If you’ve ever indulged in popcorn while watching a movie only to have a kernel slide beneath your gumline, you know how frustrating and irritating it can be. Many people have damaged their mouths using household items, like utensils, string, or yarn, to try to remove items that become lodged in their teeth. Keeping dental floss in your emergency kit ensures you have a safe way to clear away anything that gets stuck.
Item #4: Latex Gloves
You don’t want to introduce new germs into your mouth (or anyone else’s) by reaching into it with your bare hands. Instead, wear latex gloves (or a non-latex substitute if you’re allergic) to ensure they’re fully covered before touching anything.
Item #5: Dental Wax
This material is intended to protect the soft tissues inside your cheeks and lips from the harsh metal edges of traditional braces. However, it can also cover the jagged edge of a broken tooth to protect the inside of your mouth if one is injured. It can also temporarily cement a restoration until you reach your dentist, like if your dental crown falls off.
These are helpful suggestions, but you don’t have to stop there. Feel free to pack your kit with anything you think would come in useful during an urgent scenario!
About the Practice
At Rensch and Laster Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, you benefit from two skilled dentists who work together to provide a wide range of services from one convenient location. Dr. Rensch and Dr. Laster have years of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They combine a family-friendly atmosphere with state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while increasing the accuracy of their treatment results. Plus, they offer same-day emergency appointments, so you don’t have to wait to get the right help. You can contact the office on the website or call (919) 787-0355.