At-Home First Aid for Common Tooth Injuries

Tooth injuries tend to be dramatic events.  One or several knocked-out teeth will compromise your oral health and the look of your smile.  What matters most is how you respond to this unfortunate incident. Some tooth injuries are fairly minor and do not require intensive treatments.

Other tooth injuries are more serious and require the attention of a skilled oral health professional. It is imperative you have the proper first aid materials available in your home to tend to these injuries in a timely manner.

Even if the injury is severe, treating it with an at-home first aid kit prior to visiting the dentist has the potential to save the tooth.

Here is a look at what your first aid kit should contain to mitigate oral pain and damage.

Oral First Aid Kit Contents

Every first aid kit should contain the supplies necessary to tend to minor mouth irritations and injuries. This means your first aid kit should contain a dental mirror, sterile gauze, cotton swabs, cotton balls, a sealable plastic bag for the disposal of bloody swabs/gauze, tweezers, a toothbrush, aspirin and a washcloth.

It also makes sense to add dental wax, paraffin, an instant ice pack, a washcloth, an oxygenating oral cleanser, medical exam gloves and dental floss to your kit. If you are wondering why dental floss is in the list above, you are not alone.  Most people question why floss is necessary for such a kit. Floss removes objects stuck between teeth and gums better than most other tools.

Once you remove the object in question, rinse with water so leftover particles are washed away. It is always better to use floss to remove wedged objects as opposed to attempting to use a pointed or sharp instrument. If floss does not remove the item in question, meet with your dentist as soon as possible for a safe and efficient removal.

Pain Medications

Aspirin should be in every at-home first aid kit. If you hold a bias against aspirin, put Tylenol in your kit. Even an oral anesthetic will help to minimize pain before you can visit the dentist.

The Importance of a Cold Compress

A cold compress will prove quite helpful for mouth injuries, toothaches and swelling. Apply a cold and wet washcloth to the side of the face where you feel pain. You can also apply an ice pack to alleviate pain and swelling. Apply the cold compress or ice for 20 minutes.

Let your mouth and cheek rest for another 20 minutes. If the pain or swelling is still present, reapply the cold compress or ice pack for another 20 minutes. Do not apply any form of heat. Choose something cold and you will find your mouth feels that much better.

Do not Forget to add Several Small Containers

Add a couple containers to your at-home first aid kit for tooth injuries so you can preserve knocked-out teeth until you can meet with the dentist.  These diminutive containers will protect your tooth from the elements, contact with potentially damaging substances and ensure you do not lose track of its location prior to your visit to the dentist.

Knocked out tooth

If your tooth is completely knocked out and intact, you can rinse it gently and place it back in the socket. If you can't do that, put it in a container of milk and bring it to the dentist immediately. If you don't have milk, you can put it in your mouth alongside your cheek (be careful not to swallow it).

That’s not all…

Request a dental appointment here: https://www.petersmrecekdds.com or call Peter T. Smrecek Jr. DDS Inc. at (949) 759-8606 for an appointment in our Newport Beach dental office.

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