I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had a bit more luck with those kits than most. I mean, yeah, they’re not perfect, but in a pinch they can make a big difference for pain or sensitivity.
Maybe that’s true for some folks, but honestly, when I cracked a molar on vacation and couldn’t see anyone for days, that little kit kept me sane. It’s not about fixing the problem long-term—it’s just about getting through the rough patch without constant discomfort. Sometimes that’s all you really need.“Those kits are more like a last resort than a real solution.”
I’m with you on that—those kits aren’t a fix, but they’re way better than nothing when you’re stuck. I had a chunk of filling fall out during a holiday weekend and the kit at least kept food out and dulled the ache until I could get in to see someone. Not super comfortable, but honestly, for the price and convenience, it did the job. Wouldn’t want to rely on them long-term, but if you’re on a tight budget or can’t get an appointment right away, they’re a decent stopgap.
We tried one of those kits last year when my daughter chipped her front tooth at a playground—of course it happened late on a Friday. The kit was far from perfect, but it did help keep her comfortable and stopped her from poking at the spot constantly. I do worry about using them for kids, though... I kept checking to make sure nothing was coming loose or being swallowed. It’s not a substitute for a dentist, but in a pinch, I get why people use them. Still, I wish there was something a bit more kid-friendly out there.
I get that worry, especially with kids. My son knocked his tooth loose during a trampoline mishap (naturally, it was a Sunday night), and I was a total wreck. I ended up using one of those kits too, mostly because he kept messing with the gap and saying it felt “weird.” The part that stressed me out most was making sure he didn’t swallow any of the putty or whatever comes in those kits. I must’ve checked his mouth a dozen times before bed.
Here’s what helped me: I put just the tiniest amount on, barely enough to cover the sharp edge, and made sure he ate soft foods until we could see the dentist. It wasn’t perfect—he complained it tasted funny—but it got us through the night without more drama. Honestly, I wish there were kits specifically for little ones too. The adult stuff just doesn’t seem designed for their tiny teeth or, honestly, for anxious parents like me.
If this ever happens again, I might just use wax from his braces kit instead. Less worry about weird ingredients… but yeah, nothing beats getting to the dentist asap.
Honestly, I wish there were kits specifically for little ones too. The adult stuff just doesn’t seem designed for their tiny teeth or, honestly, for anxious parents like me.
Totally get where you're coming from. When my daughter chipped her front tooth (she fell off her scooter—of course it happened right before bedtime), I was a nervous wreck. I’d never used one of those repair kits before, but the sharp edge was driving her nuts and honestly, I was more afraid she’d cut her tongue or lip than anything else.
I tried the dental wax from her old retainer first, but it kept sliding off. Ended up running to the 24-hour pharmacy and grabbing one of those temp filling kits, even though it looked like it was made for adults with molar issues. I felt ridiculous trying to squish this giant glob onto a tiny chipped tooth. She hated the taste and kept making faces, but I figured a gross flavor was better than a bleeding mouth.
I was also super paranoid about her swallowing any of it—kept checking every hour until she finally fell asleep. In hindsight, I probably went overboard with the worry, but when it’s your kid you can’t help it. The dentist said we did okay as a stopgap, but apparently those kits aren’t really meant for kids at all. (He actually recommended orthodontic wax too, so maybe you’re onto something there.)
It’s wild how unprepared you feel in the moment, even when you’ve read all the “what to do in an emergency” guides. I wish they made a kid-friendly version too… smaller applicators, milder taste, clearer instructions for panicked parents. Seems like a no-brainer, but maybe there’s not enough demand?
Anyway, the whole thing made me realize that having some kind of soft dental wax or even sugar-free gum on hand is probably smarter than relying on those kits if it happens again. Still, nothing calms the nerves until you actually see the dentist and get the real fix. The waiting is the worst part.
