Timmy is rounding third, heading for home. Here comes the throw…he’s safe! Oh, but the catcher tagged him high, the mouth to be exact. A tooth is now loose and starting to bleed. Is your coach prepared? Are you prepared?
For all sports, it is advised, and in some places mandated, that a first-aid kit be available to handle minor medical issues. Everyone thinks of bandages, disinfectant, slings and ice packs. But how about a dental first aid kit?
Dental injuries can occur in any sport. As with any medical emergency the quicker you take action the better the outcome.
So besides the regular first-aid items, it’s advisable to include the following:
Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution in case a tooth gets knocked out. Keep the tooth in Hank’s Solution until you see a dentist.
- Rubber gloves for sanitary reasons.
- Alcohol wipes to clean away blood and dirt
- Cotton balls or gauze pads
- Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning and disinfecting
- Salt to dissolve into warm water and make a soothing mouthwash
- Floss to remove stuck particles from teeth
- Dental wax to cover broken orthodontic wires, brackets or sharp fractured teeth.
- Pain reliever (acetaminophen or aspirin)
- Topical anesthetic to alleviate pain
- Vaseline to temporarily reattach a crown that has fallen off
Minor dental injuries like a bit tongue or lip can be taken care of using your dental first aid kit. Anything more such as a permanent tooth knocked out, will require a visit to the dentist or possibly the emergency room. Place the tooth in a clean container with Hank’s Salt Solution and get to the dentist as soon as possible.
Mouth guard
A great way to reduce instance of dental injuries in sports is to wear a mouth guard. These can be bought in the store, or better yet, have one custom made. Dr. Schlueter can talk to you about options for custom mouth guards.
Whatever sport you (or your kids) might play, we hope you have a fantastic season! Please let us know if there are any questions you might have about what to include in your dental first aid kit.
All Smiles,
Dr. Schlueter & Team