Imagine Pulling Your Own Teeth
Please; try to understand, if I’m not in top form today. For the past three days I’ve had the most aggravating toothache that keeps getting worse.
I will admit being afraid of the dentist, the thought of him grinding, filling, pulling and let’s not forget those horrible shots, bleeding and that sucking thing. Almost sets me into panic mode.
This got me thinking about dental emergencies and ways of preparing for such contingencies. Dental emergencies seldom solve themselves and without medical attention usually to get worse, possibly resulting in dire consequences.
One thing is certain dental services will always be in demand – but will you be able to afford competent care or find it when needed?
This is one instance where I think having a small gold or silver reserve is a good ideal.
After a collapse the dollar maybe worthless or severally devalued – but gold and silver will retain some value that can be traded for dental and medical care in an emergency.
Unfortunately; no matter how prepared we are some medical emergencies cannot be dealt with without proper and professional care. Plan accordingly…
But there are steps that can be taken to better deal with minor problems or provide care until a permanent solution can be implemented.
Preventive maintenance cannot be stressed enough. Take care of your teeth. If possible, visit a dentist at least once a year to find and take care of any potential problems.
Brush, floss and rinse – stock up on oral hygiene supplies. This can be done cheaply compared to the alternative of paying for repair of major problems, resulting from poor oral hygiene.
Stocking sufficient toothpaste, brushes, rinse and floss to last several years can be done rather cheaply, this stuff would also make excellent barter goods, in the event of an all-out collapse.
I buy all of my toothpaste from a vendor dealing in overstocked and outdated items from a large drugstore chain for $.25 a tube. I get a number of other first aid and medical items from there also, but that’s another article…
If pressed; it’s easy to make your own toothpaste, by mixing equal parts of baking soda and salt. The result tastes like crap, but it does an excellent job of cleaning your teeth and gums. Simply moisten a toothbrush and dip it in the mixture and brush as usual.
It is a good idea to have a dental first aid kit to complement your other first aid supplies. A basic kit should consist of:
- Temporary filling material Temparin or Cavit
- Tweezers
- Gauze
- Toothbrush
- Soft dental floss
- Toothpaste
- Oragel or other dental pain reliever
- Ibuprofin (Advil, Motrin)
- Clove Oil (pain relief)
- Rubber gloves (some people are allergic to latex)
- Dental wax
- Toothpicks
- Cotton
- Dental Mirror
- Hand Sanitizer
Or if you prefer you can purchase a ready-made kit 
How bad was your last toothache? What did you do about it? Have you prepared for this emergency? How?
I’m off to the dentist – wish me luck 
.
December 16th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Except that you should probably have fluoride in your homemade toothpaste as well.
December 16th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Great post as usual hope you make it back from the dentist in one piece.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I think this is overlooked by a lot of us thanks again for the kick in the balls and shove in the right direction.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Ever since I saw Tom Hanks in "Castaway" knock out his own tooth with an ice skate, I have often wondered in a survival situation could I have the marbles to do that to my self. And if I could, would I do more harm than good, (my luck, I'd knock the wrong tooth out). A companion to "where there is no dentist", also check out "where there is no doctor", this is all information that would serve invaluable when all goes bad.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Jody,
Great thing is both books are available for download at Hesperian.org. Recommended.
December 17th, 2009 at 12:23 am
A temporary pain reliever is a cotton ball soaked in Whiskey. Then pack it between the gums and the tooth. To relieve swelling, a regime of green tea-bags stuffed in the area of infection followed by small amounts of sea salt wrapped in paper towels and also placed in the infected area. And definately a supply of Listerine Mouthwash. Works wonders. Ibuprofen should be included also.
December 17th, 2009 at 4:11 am
Prepare,prepare,prepare, how many times does it have to be said.
December 17th, 2009 at 11:07 am
OOh, I feel your pain.The worst pain so far in my life was absecessed tooth. To stubborn,stupid, or scared to go to dentist.Good luck.
December 17th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
My first thought when I read this, was my recollection of Bill Cosby's show 'Himself' in which he includes a 'trip to the dentist' – and how they love to numb up a person's mouth, fill it with instruments, and proceed to ask questions. Hysterical to watch… and very true!
December 17th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I have had absessed teeth and even dry sockets after tooth removal. I also gave birth to two 8 pound something kids. The pain of a bad tooth is far wores than childbirth. Get well soon…
December 17th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
From personal experience:
There is a direct relationship between dental health & heart disease, ask your dentist.
Nine years ago I had emergency bypass (nearly died) & after much research (I will spare you the details but am right) found that my year long on and off tooth ache was the contributor to my heart ailment.
See the dentist every 6 months, floss daily & you can pretty much eliminate this potential problem.
December 17th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Good note about the link between heart disease and dental care. Spot on. Fortunately, before I learned of that added tidbit I had started stocking up. I started looking around at those everyday hygeine (and other) things I took for granted. I regularly pick up toothpaste on sale (there are always coupons out also) and bulk packs of brushes. Rinse and floss are needs also. You can never have too many brushes. These items would make great barter and also used ones make do for weapon cleaning. In any case dental health is best served by preventative maintenance. USMCinSC
December 18th, 2009 at 12:50 am
I'm not a dentist – I'm M.D. – 26 years in E.R., 5 of them in trauma center, now doing family practice, and I would love to work for barter NOW.
No need for gold or silver WTSHTF – I'd gladly work for food, firewood, ammo, clothes repaired – you name it.