If you’re like most people, it’s probably safe to say you have a first aid kit at home. But while having a hearty supply of bandages and other safety items on hand is good news for your body, what about your mouth? After all, you can’t usually treat your teeth and gums with the same materials as your skin. That’s why in the interest of protecting you and your family’s oral health during a dental emergency, every home should have a dental safety kit, too. Here’s what to include.
What to Put in Your Dental Emergency Kit
Because your teeth and gums require different care than the rest of your body, your dental emergency kit needs to have some unique items that your first aid kit may not. These items include:
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- A toothbrush
- Dental wax
- Cotton swabs
- Alcohol wipes
- Petroleum jelly
- Temporary dental filling material
- A cold compress
- Lidocaine numbing ointment
- A small sealable container
- Gauze
- A tooth mirror
- Tea bags
- Tweezers
- Cotton balls
- Rubber gloves
- Over the counter pain medication
- Contact information for your dentist
- Dental floss
- Saline solution
- A handkerchief
- Orabase paste for canker sores
For homes with denture or braces wearers, you should also include:
- Bite sticks for adjusting aligners
- An aligner removal tool
- Floss threaders
- Small Brushes (braces brushes)
- Retainer cleanser or aligner crystals
- Denture soak
- Denture adhesive
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Being prepared for the unexpected is a great way to safeguard your family’s teeth and gums, but prevention can also play a big role in keeping their oral health in great shape. Here are a few important tips for avoiding a dental emergency:
- Always attend your biannual dental exam and cleaning
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss at least once daily
- Wear a bite guard if you grind your teeth (bruxism)
- Wear a sports mouthguard during athletics
- Never use your teeth to bite your fingernails, chew pen caps, or to tear packaging
- Schedule an emergency appointment with your Dentist if you have any tooth pain that lasts longer than 24 hours, or if you notice any changes to your teeth and gums.
Remember, while you can’t prevent every oral health problem, having a well-stocked dental emergency kit can help protect your teeth and gums in an urgent situation. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact your dentist as soon as possible.
About Our Practice
At Pearl Dentistry, our team is here to help protect your oral health. Whether you need a routine checkup, a cosmetic treatment, or you’re experiencing a dental emergency, we’re ready to assist you. Don’t put your teeth and gums at further risk. Let Dr. Pooler and Dr. Walker treat your urgent situation with kindness, sensitivity, and skill.
To schedule an emergency appointment, please call us at 720-440-9296 for faster service, or you may request an appointment on our website.