Most homes have a well-stocked first aid kit to treat injuries and illnesses that may arise from day to day. What these first aid kits don't prepare a family for is treating dental emergencies. So, what should your first aid kit include to ensure that you are prepared for any dental emergency that may occur? Below, you will find out exactly what you should have on hand in case of dental emergencies.

Instant Ice Packs

Anytime a mouth injury is sustained, it is important to apply ice to the area immediately. This will help to control the swelling and lessen the pain. Try to stock at least two instant ice packs in your first aid kit to ensure that at least one of them will work when needed.

Temporary Filling Material

Temporary filling material can be purchased at your local drug store. It is meant to be used to temporarily seal the area of a tooth in which a filling or crown has fallen off. To apply the temporary filling material:

• Clean the area with warm water
• Use the spade tool to cut off a small piece of the filling material and roll it into a ball.
• Insert enough of the material to slightly overfill the tooth.
• Press the material into place and bite down to press it firmly into position.
• Use a damp cotton swab to clean the extra filling material from the tooth.
• Go to the dentist for a permanent fix as soon as possible.

Toothache Drops

A tooth doesn't need to break to cause a lot of pain. Abscessed teeth can cause the area around the tooth to swell and become inflamed and very painful. Toothache drops will help to numb the area until you can make it to the dentist for treatment. It can also be used to numb the area that is hurting because of an injury that has been sustained.

2x2 Sterile Gauze Squares

One of the first things that you should do for a dental injury is to try to get control of the bleeding. This is done by inserting gauze squares into the mouth and biting down to put pressure on the injured area. The gauze squares should be replaced every time they become saturated with blood so that they can continue to absorb the blood and help put a stop to the bleeding.

Sterile Container

If a tooth is broken or knocked out completely, you need a sterile container to store the tooth in until you can get to the dentist. If you act quickly, the dentist may be able to repair the tooth or put it back in place. Only handle the tooth with the crown, never the root. Place it in a sterile container and pour a small amount of cold milk over it to keep it from drying out while you make your way to a professional emergency dentist, like those at Peak Family Dentistry & Orthodontics.

These are five things that you should always have on hand to treat dental emergencies. Include them in your first aid kit and you will be better prepared for these dental emergencies.