Emergencies happen at unexpected times. Many families keep emergency supplies at home, such as first aid kits, flashlights, and extra food and water in case of a natural disaster. However, many people don’t think about preparing for a dental emergency until they are suddenly dealing with tooth pain, extreme oral swelling, constant bleeding, or a damaged tooth. Having a few basic supplies on hand can make a stressful dental situation easier to manage while you arrange urgent dental care in Folsom.
What to Include in a Dental First Aid Kit
You do not need a large or expensive collection of supplies to be prepared for a dental emergency. Keeping a few useful items together in one place makes it easier to respond to an emergency until you can see a dentist in Folsom.
We recommend adding the following items to your dental first aid kit:
- Floss, interdental brushes, or dental picks to carefully remove food that may become lodged between teeth, causing discomfort.
- Orthodontic wax to cover a sharp bracket, wire, chipped tooth, broken filling, or damaged crown until a repair
- Disposable gloves for added cleanliness when helping someone with an injury involving the mouth.
- Sterile gauze or cotton balls for applying gentle pressure to areas with minor bleeding or to protect a sensitive area.
- Saline rinse for gently cleaning the mouth after a minor injury.
- Plain tea bags that can be used with gentle pressure when minor gum bleeding occurs.
- Oral pain-relief gel for temporary pain relief when used as directed.
- A reusable cold pack or ice pack to manage swelling and soreness.
- Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if it is safe and appropriate for the person taking it.
- A clean, sealable container to safely keep a knocked-out tooth or a broken piece of a dental restoration or appliance for repair.
- Lakeside Dental’s phone number so you can quickly contact our dental office in Folsom if the situation requires professional attention.
Having these basics readily available will not replace professional dental treatment, but it can help you manage the situation more comfortably while you arrange for appropriate urgent dental care
Know When to Contact an Emergency Dentist
Not every dental issue needs immediate treatment, but some symptoms should not be put off.
- Intense tooth pain
- Noticeable swelling of the gum or oral tissue
- Bleeding that will not stop
- A knocked-out tooth
- Trauma to the mouth
- Signs of infection (pain, redness, foul taste or odor)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek help immediately. And if in doubt, reach out! The experienced team at Lakeside Dental in Folsom is available to take your call, assess your situation, and guide you on the best next steps.
Patients who require emergency treatment may be seen the same day in our Folsom office, while others may be able to wait to see a dentist during regular business hours.
Here When You Need Dental Care
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but being prepared and knowing where to turn can make the situation easier to manage. Lakeside Dental is pleased to provide compassionate care for patients experiencing unexpected dental problems and will help you understand your treatment options based on your individual needs. Give us a call anytime. We are here to help!
