A dental first aid kit is an essential and often overlooked aspect of emergency preparedness. You never know when you or someone you love might injure their mouth or get a toothache. Obtain a sturdy plastic or metal box and fill it with some or all of the following suggested items:
-Plastic or metal tweezers
-Cotton rolls or pads
-Oral anesthetic (i.e. Oragel)
-Small dental mirror
-Antiseptic skin wipes
-Dental floss or flossers
-Dental cement—a hard, brittle mixture of liquid and powder designed to temporarily hold a loose crown or tooth in place. You can buy it online or at a local drugstore.
-Temporary filling material—an over-the-counter polymer that temporarily repairs your lost filling.
-Small mixing bowl—for mixing cement or filling material
-Dental Spatulas—a small spatula for mixing dental cement or temporary fillings
-Anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen or aspirin
-Dental picks—those long metal picks dentists use to clean your teeth can be bought online at t a reasonable price.
-Dental wax—provides relief for those experiencing minor oral irritation caused by orthodontic or dental appliances.
-Small sterile gauze pads
-A sheet of instructions for using all or just a few of these items. You can research their uses online or find already made instructions.
Remember to store your kit in a place that is easily accessible, like your bathroom cabinet. Another good thing to know is that while these items are definitely useful, they usually provide only temporary solutions. If you or someone you know is in a dental emergency, please call Cenla Dentistry in Pineville, Louisiana at 318-640-3200. Dr. Honey Fiasconaro will provide you with swift and superior dental care.
