What You Should Do if Your Child Has a Toothache
All children are bound to experience some sort of toothache. In fact, many people will have multiple toothaches throughout their childhood. And though toothaches are not always caused by a serious problem, they can still be distressing and painful for children. Luckily, there are a few ways that you may be able to make their teeth feel better from right at home. In this blog, we are going to explain a few home remedies to help soothe aching teeth.
Common Causes of Toothaches in Children
Some signs that children may show when they have a toothache are crying, being hesitant to brush their teeth, or openly telling you that there is pain in their mouth. Toothaches in older children are most commonly caused by too much sugar, while babies will likely have toothaches caused by their emerging teeth. Here are a few other causes of pain in the teeth:
- Food stuck between teeth
- Chipped, cracked, or decaying teeth
- Cavities or abscessed teeth
- Loose teeth
Home Toothache Solutions
Unless the issue is serious, such as a broken tooth, going to the dentist is not always necessary to treat a toothache. However, if the problem persists, the pain becomes severe, or other symptoms arise, that is when you should make an appointment. For regular toothaches and discomfort, these are some simple solutions that can be used to relieve your child’s pain:
Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Salt water is something that can easily be made at home. Start by dissolving a tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water. If the water is too hot, it can cause more tooth pain, while cold water will not be as effective. Have your child rinse their mouth with the salt water. They should take a small amount of the solution in their mouth, swish it around, and spit it back out. Repeating these steps until the saltwater is gone will help to kill the bacteria in their mouth which could be causing pain and irritation. This method should be used multiple times a day for the best results.
Apply an Ice Pack
Pressing a frozen ice pack against the cheek is another option for relieving the pain of a toothache. The cold tends to help soothe pain while also reducing swelling and inflammation. It is recommended that the compress is pressed against the cheek near the affected area for at least 20 minutes. This may need to be repeated multiple times a day.
Use Store Bought Pain Reliever
If your child is in a lot of pain or it won’t go away, over the counter pain medications can be used for temporary relief. Be sure to buy pain relievers that are safe or meant for children and deliver the proper dosage for their age and weight range.
When to Visit All Stars Pediatric Dentistry
There are many tooth conditions which will require the help of a dentist, such as cracking or cavities. While some of these solutions can help manage the pain, serious problems can only be properly treated by a pediatric dentist. All Stars Pediatric Dentistry can provide all the dental care that your child needs. Not only that, but Dr. John can help teach them healthy dental habits that will prevent future toothaches and improve oral health. To set up an appointment for your child, call 770-292-9441.
