Most offices, schools, churches, have a first aid kit on hand. And even if someone doesn’t have official first aid training, they understand the basics of cleaning a cut or scrape and applying a bandage. But what about your teeth? When talking about first aid, most people do not even consider dental emergencies. But dental emergencies happen, and if you have a dental first aid kit on hand, you will be better able to respond, and you might even be able to save a tooth,
But what should you put in a dental first aid kit? A dental mirror and a penlight will help you assess any damage to your tooth or mouth, and exam gloves will help stop the spread of infection. Tweezers and dental floss may help if you need to remove something lodged in your teeth or between your teeth and gums. Dental wax can help ease the pain if a wire on your braces breaks. You may want to keep a topical pain reliever in your kit, and clove oil can help ease dental pain. A cold pack can reduce pain and swelling, and you can also stock your first aid kit with aspirin or ibuprofen. Sterile gauze or a tea bag can be used to help stop bleeding, and can also be used to hold a tooth in place. A tooth preserving solution may come in handy if you have a tooth knocked out. For a problem with a crown or filling, you might be able to hold it in place with dental cement, and you can replace a lost filling with cotton pellets.
First aid is just that. It is designed to handle address a problem until you can be seen by a healthcare professional. So, remember that when you have dental emergency, your first phone call should be to Dr. Frank Russomanno, Jr. at Amber Leaf Family Dental in Bloomington, Minnesota. The doctor will want to see you as soon as possible. If you need to make an emergency appointment, or if it is just time for your regular cleaning and examination, call 952.881.0504 today.