What Should You Include in Your Dental Emergency Kit?

Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums, a dental emergency can strike when you least expect it to. If you’ve never experienced one before, it can be an unsettling situation and you may be unsure of what to do. Luckily, being well-informed and prepared to handle the incident can help you navigate it with ease. You might already know to keep a dental emergency kit with you at all times, but what should it include? Continue reading to find out!

Medical-Grade Gloves

It’s incredibly important that you have medical-grade gloves in your kit. They come in handy for many situations, especially when there is bleeding. Make sure you wear them when treating someone else as they help prevent the spread of infections and germs. Latex gloves are by far the most popular choice. However, you should have vinyl gloves in your kit as well just in case the person you’re helping has a latex allergy.

Dental Mirror

Does the person you’re helping have a wound that’s difficult to see? A dental mirror is a handy tool that’ll help you see things in the dark corners of the mouth. You can buy one with an attached light or purchase a separate small flashlight for your kit as well.

Pain Reliever

Although your emergency dentist can help when it comes to relieving pain, you’ll need something in the meantime for prompt relief. Make sure you include your preferred over-the-counter pain reliever in your dental emergency kit. However, do not use aspirin because it’s an anticoagulant, meaning it’ll make it more difficult for blood to clot. Instead, pick something like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Cotton Balls and Gauze Pads

These items come in handy whenever there’s a cheek injury or any bleeding. Make sure they’re neatly packed away so they can stay clean and ready for use in the event of a dental emergency.

Dental Wax

If anyone in your family wears braces, you’ll want to keep some dental wax handy. It’ll help soothe any irritation caused by the metal wires and brackets. Additionally, the wax can be used to reattach a dislodged tooth temporarily.

Orabase

Do you have an oral ulcer or a canker sore? Orabase is a paste that can be used to decrease sensitivity. The substance also contains benzocaine, a local numbing agent that can relieve your discomfort.

Floss

Sometimes, an object stuck between the teeth can cause significant pain and discomfort. Using dental floss can help dislodge anything that’s bothering you. Therefore, you should keep a travel-sized container of dental floss in your emergency kit to help you get some relief.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared in case an accident strikes when you least expect it to. By including the items listed above in your dental emergency kit, you’ll be prepared to navigate the situation with ease until you make it to your dentist!

About the Practice

At DeMartino Dental Group, we strive to make every visit as welcoming, relaxing, and enjoyable as possible for every patient. From standard checkups to teeth whitening to emergency dental care, we’ve got everything you need in one convenient location. To learn more about what you should include in your dental emergency kit, visit our website or call (908) 859-2560.