CarolinasDentist Blog

Items You Need In Your Dental Emergency Kit

Illustration of a tooth driving an ambulance to give help during a dental emergency

Teeth are strong and can withstand significant impact during many kinds of activities. However, there are certain situations that come with a high risk of ending in dental emergency. These can include eating popcorn and hard candy, playing sports without a mouthguard, grinding your teeth, and more. Aside from taking preventive steps, you can prepare for these incidents by putting together a dental emergency kit. Here are some ideas on what to include:

  1. Gloves

    2. A dental emergency can feel nerve-wracking. It’s natural to want to do everything as soon as possible. However, try to hold off from touching your mouth, teeth, and other affected areas until you’ve washed your hands and put on clean disposable gloves.

  2. Non-Woven Sterile Gauze

    3. Gauze is a helpful aid during medical emergencies. You can use gauze to apply gentle pressure to a mouth injury, which will absorb body fluids and control bleeding. Opt for non-woven gauze, which is non-linting.

  3. Salt & Bottled Water

    4. Mixing ½ teaspoon of table salt with a cup of water makes a simple mouth rinse that can help soothe ulcers, provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection.

  4. Dental Mirror & Floss

    5. A dental mirror can help you see all areas of your mouth. This can be helpful if you feel a rough or sharp area in your mouth or need to use dental floss to removed food that is wedged between your teeth.

  5. Dental Wax

    6. If someone in your home wears braces, dental wax can prevent soft tissue irritation and help stabilize damaged areas until your dental provider can take a look.

Emergency Dental Care at CarolinasDentist

While these items can help you find temporary relief, we recommend seeking professional emergency dental care as soon as possible if you experience a dental emergency. Please contact your closest CarolinasDentist location to schedule an urgent appointment!

Contact Us

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Related Posts

Back To Top

Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

Choose your location:      

Select Office To Make Payment To