While keeping up with good oral hygiene is a great way to prevent most dental emergencies, for some people they’re just a natural hazard of the lifestyle that they lead. Athletes, for example, need to be ready to deal with a sudden blow to the teeth at any time.
One way to be prepared is to pack a dental emergency kit. Like a first aid kit, this pack contains everything you may need in case a disaster strikes. Here are a few things you may want to put in yours.
What to Stock in a Dental Emergency Kit
Ultimately, your dental kit is uniquely yours, and it’s fine to put whatever you’d like into it. But if you need a few ideas, here are a few things that it’d be a good idea to stock.
- Dental Floss: Perfect for any situation where you have something stuck in your teeth.
- Salt: Can be combined with water and used as a disinfectant rinse. Saltwater can also be used to store a tooth that’s been lost.
- Dental Wax: These small sticks of wax can be applied to the teeth to protect them, or to an oral appliance to stop it from rubbing the lips and gums.
- Temporary Filling: This can be used to temporarily fill chips and cracks in the teeth until you can see a dentist.
- Cotton Balls: Can be used to stop bleeding.
- Alcohol Wipes: Used to disinfect wounds or areas of damage.
- Cotton Swabs: Can be used to clean wounds or to apply other materials to a tooth.
- Dental Mirror: To look inside the mouth.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While having a dental emergency kit on hand isn’t a bad idea, the best thing you can do is to prevent them before they happen. One of the best ways to do that is to make sure your oral health is in good shape, both through dental hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly.
If you’re an athlete, you may also want to invest in a professionally crafted sports guard. These can protect your smile, meaning that you can give it your all without having to worry about your teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Charles Fana is a dentist who is not only deeply sensitive to the needs of his patients, but who also works hard to make sure he has the expertise to give them the care that they need. He continues his education every year to make sure that he has a strong understanding of the latest techniques in oral medicine. Dr. Fana received his degree from the University of Louisville, and he has completed the entire curriculum at the prestigious L.D. Pankey Institute.
If you have any questions about dental emergencies, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (912) 352-3955.
