As concerning parents you have a first aid kit in your home to handle life's minor accidents. But are you prepared for a dental emergency?

Our Dental Specialists from the Dental Emergency Kit team proposed that everyone should have an Oral First Aid Kit in their home as well.

Dental injuries and emergencies are very common in children and adults, Having a handy dental emergency kit, either at home, in the car or even schools is something that every parent or caregiver should not take lightly.

While the dental emergency kit does not replace professional treatment, you can use it to prepare everyone to handle any dental accidents or injuries as well as help alleviate or control major oral problems until you reach the dental clinic.

Various types of dental emergencies and what you should do immediately:

Toothache - rinse your mouth with warm water. Whenever possible, use dental floss to remove any food trapped between the teeth, then rinse. If there is swelling, quickly place an ice pack or cold compress on the outside of the cheek. Never ever use heat. An aspirin or aspirin substitute may be taken orally to relieve the pain temporarily. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Mouth sore, (also known as canker) - canker sores are small white wounds inside the mouth on the cheek, gums or tongue. They can be caused by cheek biting, vigorous tooth brushing, burns from hot foods and irritation from braces or dentures. The bubbling action of an oxygenating cleanser removes food particles and other irritants from the sore.

Object wedged between your teeth - try to remove the object with dental floss, and then rinse thoroughly with water to remove any remaining particles. Do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument. If you can't remove it, see a dentist.

Knocked out tooth - A knocked-out tooth or avulsed permanent tooth is a true dental emergency. Do not take it lightly. if possible, retrieve the tooth. If it is a permanent tooth take care not to touch the root and carefully place it in our special Knocked-Out Tooth Dental Emergency Kit. Go to the dentist immediately. Victims of knocked-out tooth, who do not have their teeth properly preserved and subsequently replanted will face a lifetime of high dental bills. In addition to the financial burden, there is the added inconvenience of hours spent in the dental chair and the possibility of other dental problems.

Broken Tooth - gently clean dirt or debris from injured area with an antiseptic oral cleanser. Place ice pack or cold compress on the face in the area of the injured tooth to minimize swelling. If the tooth has created a sharp edge, cover with paraffin (wax) to prevent lacerations to the gums or cheek. See a dentist immediately.

Bitten lip or tongue - apply direct pressure to the bleeding area for 15 to 20 minutes using sterile gauze. Rinse with an oral cleanser to alleviate bleeding and clean the wound. If swelling is present, apply ice pack or cold compress. If bleeding continues, go to a hospital emergency room.

Having the knowledge and kit at your fingertips will give you and your child the necessary skills to handle life's dental emergencies more effectively!

No longer does a knocked out tooth mean losing a tooth. Save your knocked out tooth with our Emergency Dental Kit and get your free guide on Ways to Handle Avulse Tooth.

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