The instruction sheet allows all members of the family the ability to handle the unexpected while they wait proper care or adult assistance at home. The contents of a basic kit may include the following; a dental mirror (the small round thingy your dentist uses to see behind teeth), dental floss, cotton balls, cotton swabs, sterile gauze, re-sealable plastic bags (zip lock or any other brands to place bloodied cotton and other materials in), toothbrush, tweezers, wash cloth, aspirin or equivalent pain killer, instant ice packs, bottled water, salt, paraffin or dental wax, medical exam gloves and oxygenating cleansers (diluted hydrogen peroxide and antiseptic). All these put together make for a handy dental first aid kit which will allow one to handle most dental emergencies as they got to the dentist. Next we tackle the various dental emergencies and the way they should be handled to minimize damage and trauma to teeth and gums.

Many people have Medical First Aid kits at home without considering the importance of having another for dental emergencies. Yep, dental emergencies can be treated at home if they are minor enough but major ones such as knocked out tooth and other extreme trauma should be taken to the dentist’s office immediately for proper treatment and care. A simple dental first aid kit is vital for those who have children who are more prone to get into dental emergencies because of knocks and falls which is quite common as they become energetic and active. A basic dental first aid kit can me put together easily form the pharmacy and can be kept in a separate box properly labeled and if possible, with instructions on how to handle dental emergencies.

Studies show that fluoride, which has been hailed as a magic bullet in the tooth care industry is getting too much of praise with little to show for it. While it has benefited most people in developed countries, poorer nations which still do not have fluoridation systems in their water treatment and distribution systems are faring worse. There are even new studies that too much fluoride can be harmful to your health and even cause brain damage as one of our previous posts discussed. The ability of fluoride to lower hormone levels produced by the thyroid glands is the culprit and too much of something good becomes so bad it can become a contributor rather than a preventive measure. The study which can be reviewed at the Flouride Action Network’s site where the study is posted for review along with the findings and methodologies used. An older study which the recent one expanded shows the toxic effects of too much fluoride on ones health that can become so severe causing learning and developmental disabilities.