The holiday season is upon us, which means gatherings with friends and family. However, from time to time, things do happen, and we need to be prepared. Sometimes you’ll run into situations that require quick thinking when your dentist isn’t available, and that’s when preparation meets opportunity.
To help you avoid a potential disaster, make sure that these 10 must-have emergency dental items are crossed off your checklist before your next holiday event.
1. Gauze Pads and Cotton Balls
These control bleeding from cuts and gums, and will protect a chipped tooth until you can get to your dentist. These are always great to keep on hand. They fit easily in a small dental kit, and if you’re having a holiday party, there’s a good chance someone has a spare in their purse.
2. Filling & Loose Cap Repair Kit
With peanut brittle and caramel candy around, dental crowns can easily be popped out. A temporary kit from the drugstore is an excellent substitute for dental fillings in cases of cavities. Anyone who has had work done to prevent tooth decay should ensure that they have these items in their dental emergency kit.
3. Dental Wax
Newly installed braces or chipped teeth can be really irritating to your mouth. Applying dental wax as a barrier will make it easier to enjoy a holiday dinner with the family. You’ll be able to speak and eat with much more comfort than without it.
4. Floss and Soft Dental Picks
Food stuck between your teeth for long periods can cause a range of problems, including aches and cavities. Keep floss on hand to safely clear it out without damaging your gums.
5. Pain Relief Medicine
Speaking of aches, dentists recommend over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for tooth pain. Be sure to consult with your dentist before using any medicines, even low doses, and follow the instructions exactly as written on the label. The last thing you want is to make a holiday emergency worse by ignoring guidelines.
6. Numbing Gel
If your gums are irritated, a topical numbing gel can help relieve the pain. Dentists often use this before injections, and while it won’t eliminate the feeling, it will help reduce it and make you more comfortable.
7. Cold Pack
Accidents can happen at holiday parties, especially when dancing is involved. Keep a cold pack on hand to reduce swelling or alleviate tooth pain. You can get an instant cold pack from the pharmacy, which works by squeezing the bag of dry material to break the pouch inside. Then you give it a shake and apply the cold pack to the area of your face that is in pain.
The other cold pack is the gel pack that must be frozen before using. These are the most common and tend to last longer, but both are effective.
8. Sugar-Free Gum
We know what you’re thinking, and nope, this isn’t to prepare you for mistletoe encounters. Sugar-free gum can help boost saliva to prevent cavities and remove food debris from between your gums. Saliva is one of the most important natural defenses against the bacteria that cause damage to your enamel and gums.
9. Small Compact Mirror
If you don’t have dental floss available, chewing gum can save you until you’re able to brush and floss. There’s a reason why dentists use mirrors even when they are staring directly into your mouth. A mirror and well-placed light can help you see the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth and are helpful in a dental emergency. It’s not always easy to see what’s going on between your teeth, but a dental mirror can help reveal what’s happening between the cracks and crevices.
10. Emergency Contact Information
Your dentist’s after-hours numbers, instructions, and the contact information for your nearby urgent care center are the most essential items on your checklist. Keep it in your quick contacts list on your phone so that you don’t lose time searching.
It also helps to write it down and stick it in an easily accessible area, such as your refrigerator, or write it in a notepad near the entryway door. Easy access means that you can make quicker, more effective decisions if you need to seek urgent dental care.
Helpful Tips To Prevent a Holiday Dental Emergency Entirely
Nobody wants to deal with tooth pain! Be sure to drink water, especially if you’re indulging in holiday sweets. Excess sugar feeds harmful bacteria, leading to a nasty toothache. Water helps to prevent this. Brush twice a day and floss daily to prevent plaque and cavities.
If you wear dental crowns, be cautious with peanut brittle and other tough-to-chew foods, especially during the holidays when it’s harder to access your dentist. Schedule a checkup before you travel to make sure you’re in good health.
You may also like to read,
- What Happens When You Don’t Floss?
- 10 Tips to Keep your Oral Health Intact as you Age!
- 10 Best Practices of Good Oral Hygiene
