Dental First Aid Tips

Being prepared for dental emergencies is the best way for you to know you are going to be able to handle them should they arise. You want to be prepared to deal with an emergency on the spot so you can increase the likeliness of saving your tooth and decreasing the chances of dealing with bigger dental issues down the road. By following the tips below, you'll be in a much better position to deal with a dental emergency.

Make a first aid kit for dental emergencies

Make a small kit you can carry with you in your car, in your backpack or in your sports bag. You never know when you may break or knock out a tooth, and it's always best to have your kit nearby. Put your dental first aid kit together by including the following items in a small bag:

• Gauze
• An instant cold pack
• Cotton balls
• Orthodontic wax
• Dental floss
• A small mirror
• Clove oil (A natural oral pain reliever)
• A list of emergency dentists with addresses and phone numbers
• A small sealable container (to transport a tooth if necessary)
• A small bottle of water

If you lose a filling –

Wash the remaining tooth with water (preferably warm). Roll up a bit of the orthodontic wax and place it where the filling was. Bite down to make sure the wax is securely in place. Wet a cotton ball and use it to remove any excess wax. Don't chew anything for about 3 hours to allow the wax to set properly. Get in to see the dentist as soon as possible.

If you chip a tooth -

Rinse your mouth out with some water. Roll up some of the orthodontic wax and put it on the chipped area to protect the tooth and to prevent the chipped tooth from cutting your mouth and tongue. If you're experiencing pain, use the clove oil to relieve it. If there was a hard impact, use the cold pack on the outside of your mouth to reduce pain and swelling.

If you knock a tooth out -

Rinse your mouth out with water. Pick up the tooth without touching the root. Rinse the tooth off using only your own spit. If you can, put the tooth back in the socket. Place gauze on the tooth and bite down to keep it in place. Put clove oil on your gum near the tooth and hold a cold pack against your face closest to the tooth.

If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, put it in the sealable container with plenty of your own spit. It's very important that you get in to see the dentist right away. The sooner you seek treatment, the greater your chances will be of having your tooth saved.

Following the tips detailed in this article can help you save your teeth and experience less pain. For more advice, contact a business such as Rose City Dental Care.