THE HOME DENTAL FIRST-AID KIT

Right on top should be the phone number of your dentist. In case of emergency, you want to get to your dentist as soon as possible. But assuming your dentist is not immediately available, here are some items you should have at home to deal with emergencies: Sterile gauze pads in case you have to staunch bleeding from a cut; a mild pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help get you through the early stages of a toothache; an over-the-counter topical anesthetic ointment or liquid, like Anbesol to use on mouth sores; dental wax, which you can get from your dentist or at a pharmacy is helpful for covering a protruding, irritating wire from orthodontia, or to temporarily cover the jagged edge of a chipped tooth; and table salt, which you can dissolve in warm water to make a soothing mouthwash to address pain in the mouth or a toothache. 

You can make an effective cold pack by putting ice cubes in a plastic bag and then putting the bag inside a damp dishtowel. Fifteen minutes on; fifteen minutes off. Generally for a dental emergency, you want to see your dentist. But if the dentist is not available and you think the situation is serious, also have in the kit the location of the nearest hospital emergency room. 

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice.  Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda, 

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com