The Ultimate Dental Emergency First Aid Kit: What You Need to Have on Hand

Dental emergencies happen unexpectedly, just like a medical emergency. Chances are, you have at least a few items at home for that unanticipated cut or fall, so why wouldn’t you keep a first aid kit for dental emergencies, too? Consider some essential things you need handy for that unplanned dental crisis that requires an emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN, or elsewhere.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is anything affecting your mouth that requires immediate attention. Some examples of dental emergencies include:

• Severe toothache
• Knocked out tooth
• Fractured tooth
• Trauma to the mouth
• Swelling or pain around a tooth or in your jaw
• Discharge from a tooth or soft tissue
• Bleeding in the mouth that won’t stop
• Lost or broken filling, bridge, denture, or restoration
• Something stuck in or between teeth

Any of these problems requires you to call your emergency dentist right away.

What to Have in Your Dental Emergency Kit

When stocking your dental emergency kit, a great place to start is with a pain reliever.

OTC Pain Reliever

Choose an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Most dental emergencies are painful, so this will likely be necessary. You might also stock an anesthetic gel to temporarily relieve the problem area.

Cleaning Tools

You’ll also want to clear the area of blood and debris. This should include gauze squares, cotton balls, and swabs. If there is bleeding, you can bite down on these, too.

Dental Wax

Use dental wax to cover any sharp areas on teeth or orthodontic appliances. This will keep them from causing further damage to the mouth.

These are just a few staple items you need. Over time, you can add more to your kit, such as disposable gloves, a dental mirror, and even temporary dental filling material.

Also, be sure to include the contact information for your emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN, in the kit so you won’t have to look for it.