Learn how to use our take-home kits
Included in the kits
Each module has a matching kit piece and how best to use it for desensitization. Below is a list of all the items and their uses.
The Home Desensitization kit
The kit is divided into five sections to go with the modules. Additional materials are available for x-rays (radiographs) and fillings (restorative dentistry). The kit list is included in the resource section so that the materials can be acquired from a dental office or pharmacy.
Happy Tooth Stuffie
A comfort animal or stuffie can be helpful for many patients with anxiety. It is best if this is a “health care stuffie”. Each patient should choose the stuffie that brings them the most comfort.
Dark Glasses
Purpose: Safety for the patient during care
How to Use: The patient can use either dark glasses or clear. Dark can be helpful for light
Safety Glasses (Clear or Dark)
Purpose: Safety for the operator during care
How to Use: Patient can wear dark glasses or clear so both included in the kit. The operator will wear clear
Flashlight
Purpose: Mimics the dental light used to light up dark areas of the mouth so it is easier for the operator to see
How to Use: Caregiver can help the patient get used to light shining in the mouth beginning with the light on the tummy, then chin, lips and mouth. The light is bright in dental offices so the flashlight is quite bright to mimic light used
Bib & Bib Clip
Purpose: Keep clothing clean and hold the bib in place.
How to Use: To help the patient feel what it’s like to have the bib over the clothing and the bib chain on the back of the neck.
Masks (Blue & Purple)
Purpose: Protects operator and client from microbial transfer
How to Use: Hides the face of the operator. The patient can still hear the operator but cannot see their mouths. Note: if hearing is a concern and lip reading is needed, the operator will remove the mask. Two colours provided so that the patient can see that the mask may be different colours
Gloves (Small & Medium)
Purpose: Protects operator and client from microbial transfer
How to Use: Nitrile gloves included. Important for the patient to learn the taste and feel of the glove. Gloves can be taken off and reused on the same person.
Saliva Ejector
Purpose: Removes saliva/water from the patient’s mouth
How to Use: Used as a straw to remove water/saliva, instructions are to “kiss the straw” by closing your mouth and pressing the saliva ejector to the closed lips
Paper Cups
Purpose: Practice spitting into a cup.
How to Use: Useful so that the patient knows they can spit into the cup to practice spitting to remove any unpleasant taste.
Long Cotton Swabs
Purpose: Tooth counters
How to Use: Used to count fingers.
Silicone Wrapped Dental Mirror
Purpose: Allows the operator to see into the back of the mouth
How to Use: Caregiver can use the flat side of the mirror on inside of the cheek, and in the mouth to see the teeth. Be careful that if your patient(child) has a tendency to close down quickly, that the mirror be used on the outside of the teeth to start.
Gauze
Purpose: Holds the tongue to increase visibility.
How to Use: Gauze is used in the mouth to hold slippery surfaces such as the lips and tongue. The tongue is pulled out of the mouth slightly so that the operator can see the back of the mouth better.
Mouthwash (Mint)
Purpose: Used to decrease bacteria in the mouth.
How to Use: Patients may be asked to rinse with mouthwash to decrease the number of bacteria in the mouth.
this can be a goal as is non-critical.
Toothbrush
Purpose: Used to remove dental plaque and food from the mouth
How to Use: The operator holds the toothbrush with gloved hands to get the patients used to another person touching the teeth and gums.
Interdental brush
Purpose: Cleans in between the teeth.
How to Use: The operator holds the toothbrush with gloved hands to get the patients used to another person touching the teeth and gums.
Waxed Dental Floss
Purpose: Cleans in between the teeth.
How to Use: The operator holds the toothbrush with gloved hands to get the patients used to another person touching the teeth and gums.
Development of a Stop Signal:
It is important to have stop sign. This can be a piece of paper, toy, sign, or button. It is best if it can be held in the left hand and then the hand turned over to reveal the stop. Remember that the hands will be in the safe, “hands on tummy”, position. Note: a specific stop sign is not included as this is an individual patient choice.
Xrays with Tabs
Purpose: Used to take dental x-rays
How to Use: Three sizes of films to place beside the teeth as the handout demonstrates. These are the same size as dental films. These are in the additional xray kit.
Not included in the kit but recommended for use at home for desensitization.
Have the patient lie down on a bed or in a reclining chair. The caregiver will approach the patient from behind wrapping the hands around the patient. This models how the operator will approach the patient.