How to Build a Dental Emergency Kit

Accidents happen, as they say, and while we try our best to prevent them, sometimes injuries are out of our control. Thankfully, being well-prepared with things like first aid kits and CPR training can help. But what about when it comes to your teeth? Many people don’t have a plan in place to deal with dental emergencies. Don’t get caught in an urgent situation. Here’s how you can create your own dental emergency kit to help safeguard your smile in the event of an accident!

What to Include in Your Dental Emergency Kit

Having a well-stocked dental emergency kit for home and away can be the difference between saving your tooth and the unthinkable. Your kit doesn’t need to be massive, but you should consider including at least some of the following items:

• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• A toothbrush
• Dental wax
• A small sealable container
• Gauze
• A tooth mirror
• Tea bags
• Tweezers
• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs
• Alcohol wipes
• Petroleum jelly
• Temporary dental filling material
• A cold compress
• Orabase paste for canker sores
• Lidocaine numbing ointment
• Rubber gloves
• Over the counter pain medication
• Contact information for your dentist
• Dental floss
• Saline solution
• A handkerchief

If you have a braces or denture wearer in your home, you can also include:

• Gummies for adjusting aligners
• An aligner removal tool
• Floss threaders
• Small Brushes (braces brushes)
• Retainer cleanser or aligner crystals
• Denture soak
• Denture adhesive

How To Prevent a Dental Emergency

Dental emergency kits are great for backup in an urgent situation, but they should never be your sole means of protection.  Here are a few important ways to prevent accidental injury:

• Attend your semi-annual dental exam and cleaning
• Brush teeth twice a day
• Floss daily
• Wear a bite guard if you grind your teeth
• Wear a sports mouthguard during athletic activities
• Don’t use your teeth to bite your nails, pen caps,  or to tear open packaging
• Schedule an urgent dental appointment if you notice any changes to your teeth and gums

Remember, while a dental emergency kit won’t prevent injuries, it can help out if you are experiencing an urgent situation. If you are suffering from any type of accidental damage to teeth or gums, contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible for further instructions.

About Our Practice

At Advanced Dental Center, we know that oral health is the key to a better life. That’s why we offer our patients urgent appointments as well as a variety of treatment options like cosmetic dentistry, restorations, and general exams and cleanings. If you have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at your earliest convenience and we will do our best to see you as soon as possible.

To schedule an urgent appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 440-885-5354.