Dental emergencies aren’t usually anticipated events, which can make them difficult to prepare for! Fortunately, dental emergency kits are simple to put together – you might even have many of the recommended tools at home.
These kits won’t replace your emergency dentist, but they can help you take care of immediate problems while you wait for your appointment. Keep reading for a list of dental items that would be good to have on-hand, “just in case.”
Gauze or Gauze Alternatives
Gauze, cotton swabs, makeup rounds – all of these soft cloth pieces can serve the same purpose: staunching blood flow. It’d be rather difficult to keep a Band-Aid in your mouth, so if you sustain an unfortunate injury, you’ll be glad to have these in your kit instead.
Floss and Tweezers
Sometimes debris can get really stuck between your teeth, and you might not be home when it happens. That’s when you’ll want to have floss thread and a pair of tweezers in your kit to help with careful removal.
Dental Mirror
The human mouth is small, and teeth are even smaller, which can make it difficult to see what’s going on – especially if you’re trying to remove a foreign object with tweezers! Dental mirrors are specially designed for checking on your teeth, but a compact mirror would work as well.
Latex or Allergy-Friendly Gloves
Mouths can be icky. If you’d rather not touch whatever bacteria, infection, blood, or gross food might be causing your oral distress, you should definitely include a pair of slim-fitting gloves in your dental emergency kit.
Orthodontic Wax
This one’s for those with metal braces. Orthodontic wax is a firm but moldable substance that does indeed resemble soft wax. Sculpting it over broken wires or brackets will protect your soft oral tissue from irritation and sores.
Pain Relievers
Dental emergencies can be painful, in which case you’ll want an over-the-counter pain reliever to promote your comfort. Tylenol and other acetaminophens will work just fine, but keep in mind that NSAIDS like ibuprofen are better for reducing inflammation. If your emergency is caused by gum disease or infection, reducing inflammation is very beneficial, so it’s worth considering packing a NSAID.
Your Emergency Dentist’s Number
Maybe you already have your emergency dentist’s phone number logged away in your phone, or maybe you don’t. Either way, it’s still a good idea to include a card or slip of paper with their number on it in your kit. Dental emergencies can be alarming, and the last thing you want is to scroll past them or forget their number in a panic!
Keep your dentist’s contact info somewhere obvious, where you’ll see it, and even if you space out, they’ll be able to walk you through any immediate first aid steps. Between their coaching and your dental emergency kit, you’ll feel well-prepared to handle whatever oral dilemma life may throw at you.
About the Practice
Dr. Rushabh Doshi and Dr. Rini Bavishi are a husband-and-wife team focused on creating a positive care experience for their patients. They realize that dental visits can be a source of anxiety and worry for many patients, especially in a dental emergency. That’s why they offer sedation dentistry for those afraid of the dentist and accept same-day appointments to ensure your emergency is taken care of as soon as possible. If you need to request an emergency appointment or would like more suggestions for your dental emergency kit, contact Dr. Doshi and Dr. Bavishi’s office at 682-888-0488.
