If you experience a dental emergency, you should go to the dental office for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. However, immediately after a dental injury occurs, you can take numerous steps to increase the likelihood of a successful recovery. You should be prepared to take these steps by having a dental first aid kit ready at all times. [pullquote]Immediately after a dental injury occurs, you can take numerous steps to increase the likelihood of a successful recovery.[/pullquote]
Preparing a Dental First Aid Kit
To assemble a first aid kit for dental emergencies, you can assemble several familiar items that will help you treat a facial injury or an injury to your teeth. Many of the items in a dental first aid kit will be the same as those in a regular first aid kit, but others are specifically meant to help with dental injuries. Special items can include:
- A small cup to store a dislodged tooth
- Toothpaste or denture adhesive to help secure a loose or dislodged filling
- Mouthwash to disinfect injured tissues
- Gauze to stop bleeding
If a tooth is dislodged, place it in the small cup with water or milk and get to the dental office as soon as possible. If the tooth is set back in the socket promptly, there is a chance it might recover. Fillings or crowns that fall out should be replaced as soon as possible.
Preventing Dental Injuries
Facial and dental injuries are common but are often preventable. If you take precautions to reduce the likelihood of dental emergencies, you might save yourself a trip to the dentist.
Some of the most common causes of dental injuries include:
- Contact sports
- Slips and falls
- Vehicle accidents
You can help reduce your chances of suffering from a dental injury by wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, avoiding uneven, wet, or icy surfaces while walking, and by wearing a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle. If, however, you do suffer an injury to your mouth or teeth, treat it with emergency first aid and see our dentist, Dr. Sweta Sheth as soon as possible.