Most homes have a first-aid kit packed with all the essential items needed after a nasty accident, but how many of us remember to include dental emergency supplies?
All the items listed below can help turn around any sudden toothaches or soothe sore gums when heading to the dentist just isn't an option. For example, what would you do if a pain presented itself in the middle of the night while you were out camping or during extreme weather?
Instead of having to bear through the agony until you can seek professional help, just be sure to have each of the helpful items below stocked in a dental emergency kit at all times. It will save you and your family plenty of tears.
As always, definitely consult your dentist or visit a medical professional in any kind of real emergency.
Don't forget to SHARE the tips below with your friends on Facebook, so they can grab all the emergency essentials, too!
Left Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Dmitry G
1. Disposable Gloves
Before diving into any dental emergency, you need to protect yourself from any blood or fluid that will likely be involved.
Just be sure to grab nitrile rather than latex gloves to avoid allergic reactions.
2. Oral Analgesic Gel
Stock up on the instant pain relief of topical benzocaine gel, like Orajel, to help soothe sensitive toothaches fast. There are even child-safe versions you can find at your local drugstore.
3. Clove Oil
If you prefer a more natural pain relief option, this oil has analgesic, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties that can come in handy during a dental emergency.
According to Healthline, you can also use clove powder, but the oil is much more effective.
4. Various Forms Of Cotton
It's a good idea to stock up on plenty of cotton in all its helpful forms: balls, pads, swabs, and other absorbent options.
5. Tea Bags
There are few things more painful than an abscessed tooth, but placing a warm, wet bag of black tea on the area for about 20 to 30 minutes can help draw out the infection, according to Earth Clinic.
6. Floss
Obviously, flossing is something we should all do on a daily basis to keep cavities from creeping in between our teeth.
Plus, it helps other painful issues like ingrown toenails and can even be used around the house to slice food or stitch clothes in a pinch.
7. Temporary Fillings
I actually didn't know this helpful product existed, but I can imagine what a relief it would be to protect sensitive nerves when a filling falls out until a professional can fix it.
8. Hydrogen Peroxide
This can help sanitize pretty much anything, including your mouth in the case of an emergency.
The peroxide attacks any bad bacteria and prevents infection, but be sure to dilute it with water so you don't irritate wounds any further.
9. Baking Soda
You can mix this with water and peroxide for a temporary toothpaste. Again, you don't want to rely on this on too regular a basis since both products can be just as damaging as they are helpful if overused.
10. Salt
If all else fails when a dental emergency pops up, the standard remedy of swishing some warm, salty water can do wonders to help sore teeth and gums.
Is your dental emergency kit up to snuff?
Be sure to SHARE the helpful tips with your friends on Facebook!
