DIY Camp dentistry

Toofy Pegs

My Dentist told me about this, its a small toolkit that contains temporary filling material and glue for replacing crowns or large lumps of filling.

First Aid Kit: Available from Chemists for about Ł5

Alternatively what if...

(I copied the following down from and article by Dr Biscoe, another Dentist, in Real Health & Beauty magazine)

A bit of filling drops out?

You can plug temporary gaps or rough bits with either unsweetened chewing gum, blu-tac, or softened candle wax. It should protect exposed sensitive parts and provide a smooth coat over rough surfaces.

First Aid Kit: Carry a packet of non-sweetened chewing gum

A whole tooth falls out?

Carefully wash it under cold water, but DO NOT SCRUB it, you need the tooth root material still attached. Try and put it back, bite down and get straight to a Dentist. Alternatively if you can't stomach the thought of that put the tooth in milk and again get straight to the Dentist.

First Aid Kit: Small screw bottle to carry the tooth in (or film container?)

You have throbbing toothache?

Apparently the ancient remedy of "Oil of Cloves" from a health food shop is as good as any until you can see a Dentist. Dissolving an aspirin against the pain is a myth, and is actually harmful as it will cause an ulcer right at the spot you are trying to help. If you need major Dentistry you should try and limit the use of Aspirin or Ibuprofen as these thin your blood down and can lead to haemorrhaging.

First Aid Kit: Small bottle of oil of cloves, not sure about expiry dates

You get mouth ulcers?

The recommendation is to ask a chemist to make up a mixture of 15% tannin and 85% glycerine, then apply directly to the ulcer. I am not too sure about this, and would be tempted to just buy Anbesol or Bonjela while I was at the chemist.

First Aid Kit: To be honest, a tube of Bonjela

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