October 3, 2025
Dental emergencies can happen anywhere—during a family vacation, a weekend hike, or even while you’re hanging out at home! However, whether it’s a chipped tooth, severe toothache, or a lost dental restoration, being prepared can make a big difference in protecting your smile until you can see your emergency dentist in Arlington. This is where a dental emergency kit comes in handy; here are some key items that you should keep in yours.
Dental Floss
Dental floss is a very simple tool, but it has quite a large impact. Floss can remove trapped food particles from between teeth that may be causing pain or swelling. You can also easily keep dental floss picks in your kit if you prefer those over traditional floss.
Cotton Balls or Gauze Pads
You can use these to control bleeding or protect an injured area inside your mouth, and they’re also helpful for applying gentle pressure to a tooth when it’s needed.
Dental Wax
If you wear metal braces, this is especially useful! It can also help if you have a chipped or broken tooth with a sharp edge. You can apply a small amount of the wax over the problem area to prevent it from causing further irritation to your tongue, cheeks, or lips.
Pain Relievers
Keep Tylenol, Advil, or another over-the-counter pain reliever in your kit. These can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation before (and sometimes after) your emergency appointment. Just be sure to always use them as instructed.
Small Plastic Container
It’s estimated that over 5 million teeth are knocked out each year, often due to sports. When this happens, having a small plastic container on hand can ensure you have a safe way of transporting the tooth to your emergency dentist.
Ice Pack or Cold Compress
A cold compress can help to control swelling or pain after a sudden dental injury. You can keep a disposable, instant ice pack in your kit if you’re on the go often or participate in sports.
Emergency Dentist Contact Card
This might be the most important item in your kit! Keep a printed card with your dentist’s phone number, address, and office hours (including emergency contact details). Even if you also have the number stored in your phone, keeping the info in your emergency kit can grant you or someone else quicker access to it.
Remember, a dental emergency kit won’t replace professional care, but it can help you stay comfortable and calm until you reach your dentist for proper care. That alone makes it worth having!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Daniel Lim, our team here at Impact Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in Arlington and the surrounding North Texas community for several years. We offer a wide range of services, including same-day emergency dental appointments for those with urgent needs. We are also dental insurance-friendly! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit, call or reach out online today. Telephone: (817) 375-0400.