Prepared for the Worst: What to Keep In Your Dental Emergency Kit

The unfortunate truth about emergencies is that they can happen at any time, and your teeth are no exception. Although you can’t anticipate when an urgent dental problem will occur, you can do your best to prepare. Having an emergency kit close by can help you cope with the immediate issue until you’re able to get to your dentist. If you’re not sure what supplies should be included, keep reading to learn more!

What Should I Include In My Dental Emergency Kit?

Having the right equipment close by can make a huge difference when you have an unexpected oral issue. Some helpful things to keep in your dental emergency kit include:

• Alcohol wipes. If you’ve sustained a physical injury, cut, or laceration then this can sterilize the area to prevent infection.
• Bottled water. You can use this to rinse out your mouth if you don’t have another source in the immediate vicinity.
• Cold compress. Pressing a cold compress to the side of your face that’s aching or inflamed reduces swelling. It also creates a temporary numbing sensation to alleviate your discomfort.
• Cotton balls. If you’re bleeding or oozing, press a clean cotton ball over the source and bite down firmly to help slow the flow.
• Dental mirror. If you have something stuck in your teeth or have a sudden sharp pain, a dental mirror helps you see the hard-to-view areas to identify the problem.  
• Dental wax. Covering sharp edges of braces brackets and wires or even damaged teeth can protect the soft tissues in your mouth.
• Floss. Whether you use standard floss or prefer flossers, it’s a good idea to keep them in your kit in case bits of food get caught between your teeth.
• Latex gloves. If someone else has a dental problem, you’ll want to wear gloves to assist them to avoid introducing additional germs that can cause an infection.
• Petroleum jelly. This can be applied to damaged restorations, like a dislodged dental crown, to temporarily seal it back over your tooth.
• Toothbrush. If you’ve had an accident or need to remove a stuck object and need to clean your teeth, it’s a good idea to have a toothbrush available.
• Salt. You can mix salt with water to create a disinfectant rinse if you have a damaged or aching tooth.
• Small container. In case you have an injury that fractures or dislodges a tooth, you’ll need somewhere to securely store it until you arrive at the dentist’s office.  

Knowing that you’re prepared no matter what takes place can give you some much-needed peace of mind if you ever find yourself in the middle of a dental emergency!

About the Practice

At Shorewood Family Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from two dentists who offer a wide range of services under one roof, including emergency care. With more than 50 years of combined experience, they can quickly identify the extent of the damage and suggest individualized solutions to address it. Plus, they provide same-day appointments in urgent situations so that you don’t have to wait for relief. If something has happened and you need immediate attention, you’re welcome to make an appointment through the website or by calling (414) 332-8150.