CDIC: What Should You Put in an Earthquake Kit for Oral Care?

Hollywood has a long fascination with disaster, and perhaps the biggest disaster movies of them all are the ever-popular earthquake movies! In fact, another one is coming out soon. They are fun to watch, but they also may get you to thinking about what you would do if there was an earthquake in your area.

There isn’t too much you can do during an earthquake, except for gathering your family and pets and trying to stay safe. But there is one thing you can (and should) do ahead of time. You can prepare an emergency kit, in case the earthquake results in power and water outages and other problems.

When you prepare your emergency kit, you want to make sure you have included items that will ensure your safety, comfort and health. So when you’re getting that emergency kit ready, don’t forget to include items in there for oral care! Here is a list of items to put into your emergency kit, compliments of Dr. Trinh Nguyen and the staff of the Cosmetic and Dental Implant Center!

Your Emergency Kit

What should you put in an earthquake kit for oral care? You might argue that some of these items you already have around the house, so why should you put them in the kit? Keep in mind that you never know what will be going on after an event, such as an earthquake.

1. Toothpaste, of course. But don’t just assume you can pack one tube for the whole family. For instance, your toddler would probably do best with a toothpaste made for kids.

2. Toothbrushes for every member of the family

3. Floss

4. Travel-sized mouthwash

5. Special items for oral care — does someone in the family wear dentures? Don’t forget denture cleaner. Does someone wear braces? Don’t forget flossers or other tools that brace-wearers need to keep their teeth clean.

6. Does your pet have oral health problems? Don’t forget to pack up tools for cleaning their teeth too.

7. Gum with xylitol, which helps to keep teeth clean. Gum is a quick way to freshen your breath. Make sure you get sugar-free gum, though.

8. Bottled water. This is important to include in any emergency kit. You’ll want to make sure you have clean water when it’s time to brush. It’s also good to rinse after eating when you can’t get to brushing right away.

9. Healthy snacks. Again, these are important for emergencies for many reasons. Make sure you pack snacks that aren’t sugary. Snacks that are good for teeth that will keep well for a long time include: peanuts, almonds and cashews (which contain vitamins and minerals that keep teeth and gums healthy); cans of beans, which contain mouth-healthy vitamins and minerals; and raisins.

It is worth the time and effort to put together an emergency kit before you ever need it. It is easy to do. Once you put it together, all you have to do is periodically check it to make sure items haven’t gone bad and need to be replaced.

We should all be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best. And this could describe visiting your dentist, too! Make sure you visit Dr. Trinh Nguyen and the staff of the Cosmetic and Dental Implant Center twice a year for your regular check-ups! Call the center today at (714)-702-1328.

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