Do you ever wish that bottomless bags were real? Then you could simply store everything you could ever need in one easily accessible location. That would certainly make handling surprise dental emergencies a lot simpler!
You might not be able to conveniently shove all your urgent oral supplies into your purse, but with a dental emergency kit, you can come pretty close. Here’s a list of the type of items you should include.
1. Cut and Wound Protection
You never know what type of dental emergency you’re going to run into. While teeth themselves don’t bleed, lips and cheeks do. Baind-aids, gauze, cotton balls, or a soft cloth are good to have in case of accidental cuts.
2. Injury Cleansers
Before you wrap or cover an open wound, you should clean it. Water and soap will do the trick just fine. If you’re out and about when an accident happens though, a kitchen sink might not be available. Make sure your kit includes a water bottle and gentle soap.
3. Creams and Mixes for Healing
Minor cuts and scrapes are usually safe without antibiotics, but over-the-counter products like Neosporin can help wounds heal faster. For inside-mouth injuries, you can pack a salt packet to mix with water for an equally beneficial saltwater rinse.
4. Pain Relief Items
Oral injuries are likely to leave you sore. Toothaches and new orthodontic tenderness are also valid reasons to make use of pain relief measures. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is always good to have on hand, and adding a cold compress to your kit is worth considering too.
5. Oral Appliance Specialties
Certain oral appliances can present special bothers that require special equipment. Orthodontic wax, for example, can be a huge help for those who wear devices like Invisalign! Take these into consideration when you pack your kit, and make sure you use dentist-approved remedies.
6. Precision Instruments
This just means including items that can help you navigate the tiny area that is the human mouth. A dental mirror can help you get a better look at back teeth, while tweezers and floss can help you carefully tug out any stuck debris.
7. Your Dentist’s Emergency Contact Info
Even if you’re a cool cucumber during dental emergencies, it’s still a good idea to call your emergency dentist once you’ve taken care of any immediate concerns. Keeping their contact information in your kit ensures you can find it quickly and easily. From there, it’s a matter of assessing your dental situation and determining the best time for an appointment.
Dental emergency kits might not be bottomless handbags, but by keeping one in your car and in your home, you can still be prepared for unexpected dental disasters. Life’s surprises will be no match for you and your resourcefulness!
About the Author
Dr. Mahmoud Homsi achieved his dental degree from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He continues to pursue excellence by taking advanced continuing education courses, including renowned programs about dental restorations, cosmetics, and orthodontics. Dr. Homsi is even certified in laser therapy! You can rest assured that whatever challenge your dental emergency might present, Dr. Homsi can treat it with quality services. To contact his office, call 603-228-0123.