How To Build a Dental Emergency Kit

When many people think of emergency preparedness supplies, they think of a first aid kit. A first aid kit can be packed with a variety of medical supplies that can help treat an injury if you cannot get to a doctor’s office. Most are stocked with bandages, gauze, ointment, an instant ice pack, and bandage tape, just to name a few items. But what happens if you injure your tooth? Many families don’t have a dental emergency kit on hand, and as a result risk being unprepared if an accident happens. Thankfully, building a dental emergency kit is very easy. Here’s how you can make one for you and your family.

What to Include in a Dental Emergency Kit

Because it’s for your mouth, your dental emergency kit will look a little different than the standard first aid kit. Here’s a list of items it should include:

• Gauze
• A tooth mirror
• Dental floss
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• A toothbrush
• Dental wax
• A small sealable container
• Saline solution
• A handkerchief
• Rubber gloves
• Tea bags
• Tweezers
• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs
• Alcohol wipes
• Petroleum jelly
• Temporary dental filling material
• A cold compress
• Orabase paste for canker sores
• Lidocaine numbing ointment
• Over the counter pain medication
• Contact information for your dentist

If someone in your household has dentures or braces, you should include additional items for them such as:

• Retainer cleanser or aligner crystals
• Denture soak
• Denture adhesive
• Gummies for adjusting aligners
• An aligner removal tool
• Floss threaders
• Small Brushes (braces brushes)

While you don’t need to always carry it with you (unless you want to) be sure to pack your dental emergency kit when there’s a risk of injury to the mouth, such as at extracurricular sports, playgrounds, and if you go on vacation and won’t be near an emergency dental clinic.

Other Ways to Protect Your Smile

In addition to packing a dental emergency kit, protect your smile by doing the following:

• Attend your regular semi-annual dental checkups to ensure your teeth and gums are in healthy condition
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss daily
• Wear bite guards if you grind your teeth
• Wear a mouthguard if you will be playing contact sports
• See your dentist at once if you notice any changes in your teeth, tongue, or gums
• Only use your teeth for what they’re intended for: chewing food. Do not use teeth to open packaging, chew pens, or bite your nails.

Remember, accidents happen, but with a fully stocked dental emergency kit, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself and your family in case of injury.

About Our Practice

At Drum Point Family & Implant Dentistry, our caring and compassionate team is here to help you and your family with their oral health needs. Whether you’re in need of a semi-annual exam, a new dental implant, or if you have encountered a dental emergency, we are happy to accommodate you.

To schedule a routine or urgent appointment, please visit our website or call us at 732-443-1771.