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Posted on 6/30/2019 by Thomas Wold, DMD |
![]() When our patients go on vacation, they tell us that they always bring a small medical emergency kit with them, nothing fancy or even bought, just things like band-aids, aspirin, a thermometer and other medical supplies that you could normally pick up at the local drugstore. But when we ask what they brought for their teeth, we get a blank stare. Most people think if there's a dental emergency there is nothing they can do anyway and even if they did know what to do, they wouldn't know what to buy. What You Need for Dental EmergenciesThere are a few dental emergencies that you can handle yourself until you can get to a dentist. If there is no dentist where you are going, or you wouldn't be able to get there you don't have to save any teeth that fall out. If a tooth falls out and isn't reinserted in a reasonable amount of time it will not work. If there is time to see a dentist just keep the tooth on ice and bring it with you.It may be helpful to bring a flashlight with a bright light to see what you are doing, or you can purchase a light that straps around your head. You should also have dental picks to remove things from between your teeth, on your teeth, or just near the gum line. Cotton balls can be helpful for both dental and medical emergencies as is gauze. Due to improvements in dental technology you should also purchase temporary filling kits. These will allow you to fix minor dental cavities or small cracks until you get home. Remember these are very temporary and you will have to see us when you return. Also, bring some drops to ease the pain of toothaches. Don't let a dental problem spoil your vacation. We'd be happy to give you a list of approved products to take with you. |