The Importance of Dental Emergency Kits

When we think of emergencies, we often think of medical emergencies related to chest pain, excessive bleeding, or some other form of trauma. But the truth is that there are plenty of tooth-related emergencies too. These dental emergencies can be stressful for both parents and kids alike. That’s why it is an excellent idea for parents to prepare a dental emergency kit. Read on to learn more about what you should have in your dental emergency kit so that you can be prepared if a tooth emergency happens.

What is considered a dental emergency?

Before we get into what you should include in your dental emergency kit, it’s essential to understand what is considered a dental emergency in the first place. And since not every situation is a dental emergency, it is critical to know when you should seek an emergency dentist and when you can take care of things at home. In general, if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, then chances are likely that you do have a dental emergency and should seek treatment right away.

• Severe pain that you know is stemming from your mouth
• A lost permanent tooth
• Exposed nerves
• Loose permanent tooth
• An abscess or infection in your mouth 
• Bleeding from your mouth
• A missing or broken filling
• A broken crown
• Food lodged between your teeth that can’t be removed by flossing or brushing

If you are experiencing these symptoms in combination with one of the following conditions, it is indeed a dental emergency.

• Broken, chipped, or cracked tooth
• Loosened or knocked-out tooth
• Broken jaw
• Bitten tongue or lip
• Serious toothache including pain, fever, swelling

For mild toothaches, where the pain is dull or easily treated with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, treatment from a dentist can typically wait until the next business day. 

What to Include in Your Dental Emergency Kit 

If your family is like most, you probably have a well-stocked medical supply or first aid kit in your home that has everything you would need in the case of a minor emergency. Most first aid kits include bandages, antibiotic ointment, OTC pain relievers, allergy medications, cotton swabs, safety pins, and more. But many families have never considered the need for a dental emergency kit. Having certain items on hand can mean the difference between suffering from a toothache all night and the ability to stay calm and comfortable when the dentist’s office is closed.

Here are some things that the Oxley Comprehensive Dental team suggests you include in your dental emergency kit. Though some of these items may be kept elsewhere in the home for other needs (such as an ice pack, cold compress, and OTC pain medication), you should make a note of where to find these things should an emergency arise.

• Gauze
• Disposable gloves
• Tooth pain gel
• Ice pack/cold compress
• Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen 
• Clove oil for use as a topical application over the painful area
• Temporary tooth fillings
• Dental wax
• Container for knocked-out tooth (if you have a knocked-out tooth, you should head straight to the emergency room or dentist’s office)

Call your dentist for advice if you suspect a dental emergency.

If you suspect you have a dental emergency in New Bern, then the best thing to do is give Oxley Comprehensive Dental a call. After all, accidents happen. Unfortunately, there will always be those times when you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.

So, whether you are a new patient or an existing patient, the Oxley Comprehensive Dental team is here for those in New Bern, Trent Woods, Bridgeton, James City, Havelock, Oriental, and surrounding eastern North Carolina when they need it most. We are committed to serving our patients with the highest quality care, and we are passionate about the dental profession. So every time we treat our patients, we treat them the way we would want our family treated in the event of a dental emergency.

If you have a dental emergency, do not hesitate to call us at (252) 633-2500. We will do everything we can to accommodate your needs and ensure you receive the appropriate care for your dental situation. If your dental emergency can wait until business hours, be sure to request an appointment using our convenient online form. Whichever way you choose to contact us, we’re here to help.