Just like first-aid kits help you respond quickly to common injuries, like scraped knees, dental emergency kits help you respond quickly to common dental emergencies, like a loose dental crown. So, if you don’t have one already, now is the perfect time to put one together! If you’re not sure where to start, you can read on to learn 7 staples to include as well as when you should go to the ER or your dentist’s office for further help.
First, The Importance of Creating a Dental Emergency Kit
Dental injuries aren’t just painful to experience and stressful to handle; they can also happen at a moment’s notice. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared! Although first-aid kits often contain clean gloves, OTC pain medication, and other products that can be used in a dental emergency, they also lack several key ones, including your dentist’s contact information. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to create a dental emergency kit too!
7 Things to Put in Your Dental Emergency Kit
We recommend adding the following items into a bag that’s clearly marked “dental emergency” and putting it next to your first-aid kit:
- Dental floss
- A dental mirror
- Temporary filling material
- Cold compresses
- Alcohol wipes
- Your dentist’s contact information
- A small, clean container that can hold a dental crown
Dentist or ER: Where Should You Go Next?
The tools in your kit are designed to help you alleviate pain, protect a damaged restoration, and make the overall experience of handling a dental emergency significantly less stressful. That said, you still need to get the care you need to restore the look, health, and function of your smile in the long-term. If you’re not sure whether you should go to the ER or your dentist’s office, the best thing to do is assess your symptoms. If you’re experiencing potentially life-threatening symptoms, like difficulty breathing or swallowing, you should go to the ER or call 911. If you aren’t, then call your dentist’s office to schedule an emergency appointment.
About the Practice
With morning, evening, and Saturday hours, our team at Washington Dental Associates is always just a phone call away when you need us! Not only that, but we offer same-day emergency care for patients in pain, we provide sedation dentistry to help alleviate anxiety, and we welcome several financial solutions so you don’t have to stress about the cost. So, if you are struggling with a painful toothache, bleeding gums, or any other abnormal dental symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (201) 453-4863.