Most parents have a well-stocked first aid kit at home and regard it as a vital asset when a child has a small injury. A dental first aid kit is no less crucial for a well-prepared family, particularly if you live in a remote location without emergency dental services. Check out these three tips for making your own dental first aid kit for your family.

Select items based on your family's dental needs

As with any DIY project, it's important that you tailor your emergency dental first aid kit to suit your family's dental needs. If someone in your family has dentures, include some denture adhesive paste in your kit. A family member with braces will benefit from keeping orthodontia wax in the kit to cover any sharp wire edges.

If you and your family members have caps, crowns or tooth fillings, you may want to keep temporary filling material and sterile applicators on hand for emergencies.

Make sure you also include the basics- cotton wool balls, sterile disposable gloves, salt for wound cleaning, clean gauze for a compress and a tooth storage container in case of tooth loss.

Include age-appropriate pain relief

There is a range of over-the-counter pain relief options on the market suitable for dental pain, but it is important that you select pain relief solutions that are age-appropriate for your family members. A topical solution can help relieve dental pain in young children, particularly if it contains benzocaine to temporarily relieve mouth irritation or injury. An oral liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen is similarly helpful at night time for relieving mouth pain- for older children and adults, include these in tablet or capsule form. Clove oil is a natural alternative that can provide significant temporary relief when applied topically. It is highly recommended that you consult with your dental professional for pain relief advice.

Don't forget a little distraction

If you have young children, dental pain or injury can be traumatic. In the heat of the moment, it can help to have a little distraction to keep their mind off the mouth pain and discomfort, even if only momentarily. Pop a small toy or game in your dental first aid kit for this purpose, and update it as your child grows to ensure it's something that they'll be happily distracted with if a dental emergency strikes.

Store your emergency dental first aid kit in a secure container and keep in a easily accessible location. For more information when assembling a dental first aid kit for your family, contact your local dentist for expert advice.