Dental emergencies can strike at any time, leaving you in pain at the most inconvenient of moments. In these moments, it's crucial to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. However, having a well-prepared emergency dental care kit at home can help to manage pain and prevent long-term problems. To ensure that you're ready for any unexpected dental issues, here’s a guide for what to include in your ultimate emergency dental care checklist!
Dental Pain Relief Essentials
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or toothache drops will help alleviate pain until you can see a dentist.
- Topical oral anesthetics like Orajel or Anbesol can provide temporary relief from discomfort.
For Dislodged or Broken Teeth
- Dental wax can be used to cover sharp or jagged edges of a broken tooth or dental appliance to prevent injury to your mouth.
- Orthodontic wax can help with loose wires or brackets from braces or other orthodontic appliances.
- A small dental mirror will help you examine your mouth and identify otherwise hard-to-see issues.
- Disposable gloves for maintaining hygiene while handling dental issues.
- Denture adhesive to temporarily secure a lost crown or filling until you can get to a dentist.
- Temporary dental filling kits, which typically contain a soft dental material that can temporarily fill a small cavity or replace a lost filling.
Emergency Contact Information
Keep your dentist's contact information in your emergency kit so that you can quickly and easily reach out for guidance or an emergency appointment. Also, research nearby emergency dental clinics or hospitals with dental services and keep their contact information on hand for situations requiring immediate care.
This collection of items can be very helpful in managing dental emergencies. However, while a well-equipped dental emergency kit can provide pain relief and help mitigate damage in the short term until you can receive professional treatment, it’s no substitute for professional care. When a dental emergency strikes, your first priority should be to contact your dentist or seek immediate attention as needed.
Emergency Dental Care and General Dentistry in Austin, TX
If you’re in Austin and seeking top-quality dental care, from routine dental exams and teeth cleanings to emergency dental care, dentist Dr. Poonam Gokhale and the West Creek Dental team are here to lend a hand in a vital moment of need!