Must haves for dental emergency kit

During the current COVID-19 Pandemic and the suspension of preventative dental care, it can be useful to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared for any dental need, and you can ensure their comfort and safety temporarily while you schedule an urgent visit with the emergency dentist chandler. For those unexpected moments between the injury and the dentist office, you may find a dental emergency kit useful in making your loved one comfortable while engaging professional care as quickly as possible. Here are some helpful must-haves for your dental emergency kit.

Basic Items

You’ll need easy items for immediate cleaning of any injury or wound. Some foundational first aid items will be helpful, things like:

• Gloves to protect from contamination.
• Alcohol wipes and Sanitizer to keep things clean and safe.
• Salt and bottled water for a quick Salt water rinse to safely clean the wound.
• Floss for easy removal of any foreign objects
• Dental Mirror to see the affected area.

Urgent First Aid Items

There are a variety of items that will also be useful in a dental emergency kit:

• Cotton Swabs and Cotton balls for applying analgesic.
• Dental Wax to cover any rough or sharp edges to protect the soft tissues of the mouth while waiting to see the dentist
• Temporary filling material to protect any areas that are exposed while waiting to see the dentist, and to prevent sensitivity or exposure to bacteria.
• Vaseline, which can be useful in creating a quick seal to reattach a crown temporarily while en route to the dentist.

Pain Relief Items

Pain relief is also an important consideration to keep your loved one comfortable until you can get qualified dental care:

• Ibuprofen for quick strong pain relief.
• Topical analgesic for soft tissue pain or damage. Clove oil in a carrier oil like olive or almond is a natural alternative to the more conventional oral analgesic gel. But the analgesic gel is a reliable standby.
• Cold/Hot compress, to reduce inflammation and ease pain. For urgent needs disposable compresses that can be activated quickly can be helpful and handy.

What to Do During a Dental Emergency

Having the right supplies is helpful, but knowing how to respond matters just as much.

• For bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. If bleeding is heavy or does not stop, seek urgent medical attention.
• For swelling: Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek for short periods.
• For a knocked-out permanent tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Gently rinse it if dirty without scrubbing. If possible, keep it moist and seek immediate dental care.
• For a broken tooth: Save any larger pieces and rinse the mouth gently with water. Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• For a lost filling or crown: Keep the restoration and contact your dental office for instructions.
• For an object stuck between teeth: Try dental floss gently. Never use a pin, knife, or other sharp object.

If an injury involves significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or a serious facial injury, seek emergency medical care rather than relying on a dental first-aid kit.

A Smart Addition for Chandler Families

Chandler families spend plenty of time outdoors, whether enjoying neighborhood parks, recreational activities, school sports, or weekend outings. A dental emergency kit can be particularly convenient to keep at home and in a family travel bag.

Arizona’s heat is another reason to store your supplies carefully. Keep medications and temperature-sensitive products according to their label instructions, and avoid leaving your kit in a hot vehicle for extended periods.

It is also a good idea to save your dental office’s phone number in your phone before an emergency happens. When you’re dealing with sudden pain, knowing who to call can save valuable time.

When Should You Call a Dentist?

A dental emergency does not always involve severe pain. A cracked tooth, dental infection, loose crown, or damaged filling can worsen if treatment is postponed.

Call your dentist promptly if you experience:

• Severe or persistent tooth pain
• Facial or gum swelling
• A broken or severely cracked tooth
• A knocked-out or displaced permanent tooth
• Significant bleeding
• Signs of a dental infection
• A lost restoration that exposes sensitive tooth structure
• Trauma involving the teeth, jaw, or mouth

Getting professional advice early can help protect the tooth and may prevent a relatively manageable problem from becoming more complicated.

While a dental emergency kit can be helpful in responding to an urgent dental care need, it should not replace professional dental care, but should act as a quick response while en route to a qualified professional. If you have any urgent dental needs, call your dentist immediately to make a plan, determine the best way to support your loved one and care for their needs, and get an appointment scheduled to care for their needs in a safe and healthy fashion.

If you need to consult with a dentist during this time about your current dental care needs, call Valley Dental Care to talk with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?

Handle a knocked-out permanent tooth only by the crown. Gently rinse it if necessary without scrubbing the root, keep it moist, and seek dental care immediately. Time can be important when trying to save a natural tooth.

Can I use household glue to repair a crown?

No. Household glue is not designed for use inside the mouth and can cause additional problems. Keep the crown safe and contact your dentist for instructions about what to do until you can be seen.

Is a dental emergency kit a replacement for a dentist?

No. The kit is intended for temporary first aid and comfort while professional care is being arranged. Dental infections, broken teeth, severe pain, and dental trauma require proper evaluation and treatment.

Should I put aspirin directly on a painful tooth?

No. Placing aspirin directly against the gums or tooth can irritate or damage oral tissues. If you need pain relief, use an appropriate over-the-counter medication according to its directions and your healthcare provider’s advice.

When should a dental injury be treated as a medical emergency?

Seek immediate medical attention when an injury causes difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, severe facial trauma, or significant swelling that may affect the airway.