You are probably familiar with a first aid kit which can be used to treat injuries such as cuts and bruises. However, have you ever considered what you will do if you have a dental emergency, such as a tooth which has been knocked out? Building a dental first aid kit is a great way to make sure you have everything you need on hand with a dental disaster strikes.
Pain Relief
If you are treating a dental emergency, it is highly likely that the patient will be in pain. Packing painkillers such as ibuprofen, which acts as both an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory can help to reduce dental pain. You should also pack a benzocaine gel, which can be applied directly to the gum to numb pain.
Dental Mirror
Including a small dental mirror in your first aid kit will allow you to view hard to see places inside the mouth.
Filling Material
If you lose a filling or tooth, having a temporary material with which to fill the space can provide a lot of pain relief. Cotton and dental wax are perfect material to fill holes with. Using filling material will help to reduce pain and sensitivity caused when air comes into contact with the tooth pulp. Avoid using tar or pine pitch as a temporary filling material, as they can be extremely difficult for a dentist to remove.
Toothpicks and Floss
As well as using the floss for its intended use, during a dental emergency, you can also tie it around shattered or cracked teeth to hold them together. Toothpicks also have a secondary use, as they prove very useful when inserting temporary filling material into a cavity or wound.
Medical Grade Gloves
If you have to place your fingers inside another person's mouth, it is best to wear gloves. This helps to prevent wounds from becoming infected and also protects you from any bacteria or blood which may be present.
Cotton
You should ensure that your dental first aid kit contains plenty of cotton rolls and pellets. Cotton can be used to help to control bleeding, applying medicine and for controlling salvia build up in the mouth.
If someone has suffered from a dental emergency, once you have applied basic dental first aid, you should transport them to an emergency dentist as soon as you can. The sooner they receive professional dental treatment, the greater chance they have of saving their teeth and preserving their smile.
Share19 May 2016
Hi! My name is Sarah, and as a busy professional, I understand the importance of making the most of my time. That includes everything from having productive working lunches to making the most of my dental checkups. I have created this blog to help you maximise your dental checkups. In these posts, you can learn how to prepare for your checkup, which questions to ask during your checkup and more. I am also going to have posts explaining why checkups are critical to your dental health as well as the health of your entire body. Happy reading, and thanks for visiting my blog!
