Here are the top 7 dental emergencies and what to have on hand to fix them. 

Fixodent or Polygrip - Actually a denture adhesive, but it makes great temporary cement that allows for almost fool-proof recementing of loose temporary crowns (caps) and bridges.  It'll keep them on until you can get in to your dentist. 

Don't try this, though, if something came off because the tooth broke.  In this case, it may be better to leave it off so you don't accidentally swallow a temporary.  Keep your tooth clean.

Dent-Temp - For the dentally adventurous.  Moderately strong cement that includes a powder and liquid that you mix and then insert in the “hole”; it can also be used as a second choice for crown and bridge recementing if Fixodent or Polygrip does not work. For a porcelain veneer that has come off - use Krazy Glue (or Super Glue, etc.) gel - just a little dab of it on the center of the veneer, don't fill the veneer up much.  If you use a tiny bit, your dentist has a good chance of gently getting it off.  It you put of lot of Krazy Glue on, things will have to be drilled off and a new one done.

   Benzodent - A topical anesthetic that can be applied to the gum.  Fine it in the denture sore spot section of the drugstore.Or apply teething relief found in the baby products section.

   Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen) - Adults can take as much as 2,400mg every 24 hours. Make sure your physician allows you to take this; otherwise, Tylenol or Anaprox.

   Antibiotics - Have your DDS or MD call in a prescription for Penicillin, Erythromycin or Tetracycline and take it in your kit. Call your DDS from the road for advice on which one to take should you have pain and/or swelling.  Important note:  If you are allergic to Penicilling, let your doctor know.  Clindamycin is a commonly alternative. Another important disclaimer:  this in not to be considered medical advice, consult your MD or DDS.

   Use an empty prescription bottle with a screw top to place the tooth in along with neutral saline solution (check the contact lens aisle) that they sell in the pharmacy (better than putting it in milk). See a DDS as soon as possible to see if the tooth can be re-implanted.  Do not scrub the tooth or root with a tooth brush; you can remove important cells needed for re-implantation. 

    If no bottle and neutral saline is around, put the tooth in your mouth to keep it moist and get to your dentist asap.  Studies show that the faster the tooth is put back in place, the better chance for re-implantation to work.

   Dental wax - press wax against wire or bracket to prevent poking into the cheek or lip.  If a wire has come out of the bracket completely and the end is really free, the wanna-be orthodontist can carefully trim the wire with small wire-cutters.  Call your dentist, let him or her know you have a secret desire to join their profession and ask if they can check your first orthodontic adjustment!

    Really, if you have to cut off a bent or pokey wire, it won't hurt things for a few days until you  get in.

    Floss and Peroxide - Try to floss out the debris and then flush out with a mixture of half peroxide and half water.  Apply Benzodent to make the area comfortable so you can eat.

    One of the worst foods for catching under the gums:  Popcorn!  Particularly the small "hulls" that are so thin.

7. Denture breaks:

Denture Repair Kit - While you can buy a denture repair kit at the drugstore, it can be a real challenge to fix a broken denture or loose denture tooth yourself.  These kits come with a pink powder and a liquid to mix up an acrylic material.  If you decide to try this, think of it as a temporary repair until you get in to your regular dentist.

Fixing a denture with super glue is the same thing - a short tem repair until it can be taken care of long term with real acrylic.  So, if you try this one, don't glob a bunch of super glue on.  Repeat - don't put a huge gob of the glue on.  It makes it real hard to get things even close to proper position, and it makes it even harder for your dentist to fix it with his "professional grade" materials.

Important tip: Travel with a copy of your most recent dental x-rays. If your dentist has digital x-rays, they will be on plain photo or copy paper; otherwise, a duplicate set on x-ray film will work just fine.  This way, if you wind up in a grass hut seeing the local witchdoctor/dentist/voo-doo man, they will at least know what kind of dental work you have in your mouth and which teeth are real and which are prosthetic - such as bridge work, implants and crowns.

Dr. Tom Armstrong really enjoys being a dentist.  He's done this for almost 30 years, and is still taking classes to stay updated on the latest technology in dentistry.  If you have questions, you can call his office at (661) 631-5580, or visit him online at www.bakersfieldsmiles.com, to request one of several FREE Special Dental Reports on a variety of topics.