Have you ever heard the saying, “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst?” Well, it applies as much to dental emergencies as to anything else. You never want to expect an urgent oral issue, but you should be prepared just in case. That means it’s best to keep a dental emergency kit handy. As for which items to put in this tool set, your Alpharetta dentist has some pointers. Here’s a primer on what to pack in your emergency dental kit to keep your smile safe.
A Dental Mirror
First of all, make sure to pack a dental mirror in your dental first aid kit. This tool can serve a crucial purpose when your mouth has an emergency.
A dental mirror lets you see areas inside your mouth that you can’t see with a regular one. In doing so, it can help you find chips, cracks, decay, and debris stuck between your teeth. That effect is very helpful when you’re trying to locate the site of a cavity, infection, etc. Of course, the mirror is even more useful if it comes with a built-in light. If your own doesn’t, please add a flashlight to your kit.
Gauze or Cotton Balls
Another product to add to your kit is gauze or cotton balls. You’ll be better positioned to manage your emergency with either of them.
You see, not all urgent oral problems are bloodless. A dental emergency can involve a fair amount of bleeding in some cases. So, packing gauze or cotton balls among your tools is a wise choice. They’d let you control any bleeding you have from soft tissue injuries. In particular, gauze could also create a barrier between soft tissue structures in your mouth.
Dental Floss
True enough, dental floss is a typical oral care item you should use every day. However, you’ll also want to keep some in your dental emergency kit.
As a matter of fact, dental floss can be used as a tool for certain dental emergencies. You could rely on it to dislodge debris between your teeth, for instance, which is great when stuck debris is the cause of your tooth pain. Plus, dental floss should be the only tool you use to dislodge stuck food debris.
An Ice Pack or Cold Compress
Lastly, include an ice pack or cold compress in your final set of tools. Such items are key when you’re facing a dental emergency.
If you didn’t know, dental emergencies tend to be painful. They often feature toothaches, sore spots, and other sources of discomfort. That means pain management is a big part of addressing them in the early stages. Ice packs and cold compresses support this purpose by numbing the relevant area and reducing swelling.
You should now grasp what to pack in your dental emergency kit. That being the case, go ahead and get started!
About the Practice
Alpharetta Modern Dentistry is based in Alpharetta, GA. Led by Drs. Labastida and Kakadia, our practice offers great dental care that’s informed by the latest tools. That means we use innovative technologies to perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency oral treatments. Our office is even a certified provider of SureSmile clear aligners for orthodontic work. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (470)-282-5157.