Imagine you’re playing softball in an evening recreational league with some colleagues. You stand at home base and get ready to swing. The pitcher throws the ball and… crack! The softball ricochets off your bat and hits you square in the mouth, knocking out a tooth. Do you know what to do next? Dental emergencies can strike at any time, which is why you should always be prepared. Here are a few key things you need to pack in your dental emergency kit in case an accident happens on the softball field – or anywhere else!
Essential Items for a Dental Emergency Kit
Here are the essentials items that can help with most dental emergencies:
- Medical-grade gloves – Latex (or vinyl) gloves are very important to prevent the spread of infection and germs, especially if you are treating someone else.
- Dental mirror – A small dental mirror with an attached light can help you see a wound in the dark corners of your mouth.
- Cotton balls and gauze pads – These soft items can help stop bleeding and cushion a cheek.
- Dental wax – This wax helps soothe irritation caused by the wires and brackets of metal braces.
- Dental floss – Popcorn kernels and other bits of food that often get stuck between teeth can cause a lot of discomfort and even pain. Floss can provide relief in these situations.
Medication and Pain Relief
A toothache or a physically damaged tooth can cause a lot of pain. That is why you should include pain relievers in your first aid kit, such as:
- Ibuprofen – An over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen can ease the pain of a dental injury. Avoid aspirin and other painkillers that thin the blood. If your dental injury causes bleeding, these anticoagulants may make it harder for your blood to clot.
- Orajel – This is a topical anesthetic commonly found in pharmacies that eases the pain from soft tissue damage.
- Ice pack – Holding an ice pack to your face off and on for 15 minutes at a time can provide temporary pain relief and reduce swelling.
Where to Keep Your Dental Emergency Kit
Once you have your dental emergency kit prepared, you need to consider where to store it. In general, your kit should be kept someplace nearby and easy to access. Many people place their dental emergency kits in the glove compartment of their vehicle or in a desk drawer at work. If it’s small enough, you could even keep your kit in your purse, briefcase, or backpack when you’re on the go!
While you can’t prevent every dental emergency, you can always be prepared. For more tips on how to respond to a dental injury or infection, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan Cohen provides urgent dental care to the community of St. Johns, FL. The former University of Miami Fellow accepts same-day appointments for emergency patients at his private practice. To learn more about how to prepare a dental emergency kit, visit the Julington Creek Family Dentistry website or call 904-230-2961.