There are few things worse than hearing your child cry out with a toothache, especially when it is in the middle of the night or on the weekend. What can you do?
Toothaches can stem from a few different things, so it can be tough to know exactly what to do. The main goal is to bring your child some comfort and keep the pain at bay until you can see a pediatric dentist. If you find yourself in this situation, here is how to handle it.
Remain Calm and Look for the Cause
If you have ever had a toothache, then you know how much they can hurt. And when you understand what your little one is going through, it can be easy to get yourself all worked up. This won't help the situation—you have to remain calm.
Children always take cues from their parents. If they know you are scared or worried, then their anxiety will increase and they will begin worrying, too. To counteract this reaction, remain confident and let your child know that this happens a lot and that you will help them feel better until they can see the dentist.
While you are doing this, be sure to ask what they are feeling, how it hurts, and where it is coming from. This will help you to assess the severity of the toothache and what might be causing it. Look for these signs:
- Red, swollen gums
- Spots or holes in a tooth
- Cracked or broken tooth
- Stuck food or debris
- Sores or ulcers on the gums, cheeks, or tongue
Being able to provide the dentist with this information over the phone can make it easier to know whether or not you are dealing with a pediatric dental emergency.
Clean the Area
Sometimes, a child’s tooth pain can stem from something as simple as food particles stuck between the teeth or around the gumline. Cleaning the area can help.
Very gently, brush and floss the area, removing any debris you see. Follow with a warm saltwater rinse. This can loosen and remove anything that may be stuck while also reducing inflammation, cleaning the area, and offering temporary relief from discomfort.
Use a Cold Compress
In the event that the toothache has also brought some swelling or if your child complains that the pain is throbbing, a cold compress can be useful. Place an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth to the outside of the face, close to the sore area, for about 10 to 15 minutes. This can be repeated as needed to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
Do not apply ice directly to the skin or inside the mouth.
Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
If your child continues to feel discomfort after taking these steps, consider an over-the-counter pain reliever that is age-appropriate. Always follow the dosing instructions printed on the packaging. And, if you aren’t sure, contact your pediatrician or ask the pharmacist.
This should help your child relax and feel better until you can see the dentist.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
The at-home care you provide may make your child feel more comfortable, and they may even stop complaining about having a toothache. However, it is important to understand that you are only addressing the symptoms. To get to the root cause of that pain and stop its progression, you must schedule an appointment with the dentist for the best treatment.
After all, a permanent solution is much better than a temporary fix because the pain will come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can teething cause tooth pain in older children?
Teething discomfort affects babies and toddlers, not older children. However, kids may experience some soreness when their molars or premolars erupt. The pain is often mild and, of course, temporary.
If the toothache went away, would my child need to see the dentist?
Yes, a visit to the dentist is always a great idea because even though the pain is gone, it doesn’t mean the issue is. Sometimes it means that the nerve has stopped signaling pain, which is actually an even bigger problem. Make an appointment and have your child evaluated to ensure all is well.
At Marigold Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand that tooth pain can be scary for both kids and their parents. That’s why we provide gentle, compassionate care and same-day appointments whenever possible for emergencies and urgent concerns. If your child is experiencing pain, contact us right away.