5 Ways to Care for Your Child’s Toothache

No parent wants their child to be in pain, even for a mild toothache. Pain is different for every person, but a child cannot always express the extent of their discomfort. Whether your child is teething or experiencing soreness after their first lost tooth, there are a few remedies you can do at home to help with their toothache.

Regular Brushing

Regularly brushing your child’s teeth is the best prevention against toothache, tooth decay, and cavities. Without regular brushing, your child’s teeth can become sensitive to sugar or extreme temperature changes. Teach your child good oral health habits to stop toothaches before they begin.

Rinse with Warm Salt Water

Rinsing with salt water is a simple way to relieve pain from a toothache. Salt water is a useful remedy for eliminating bacteria that could cause an infection. Additionally, by eliminating bacteria in the mouth, the salt water can bring down any swelling in the gums, which is common as children’s adult teeth start to come in.

Clove Oil

Clove oil is a natural substance that is known for its pain management properties. The oil is safe for both children and adults, allowing you to apply it directly to the painful area. To prevent additional germs from causing pain on the teeth and gums, put the clove oil on a cotton ball before applying it to the affected area. If you use clove oil, monitor your child closely after use, ensuring they do not experience an allergic reaction or swallow an excessive amount.

Over-the-Counter Medication

If none of the natural home remedies work, you may need to make a trip to your local pharmacy to find a topical or edible medication. Orajel is one of the leading brands to help treat toothaches at the site of the injury. Apply the ointment to the tooth and gums for instant numbing. You can also try pain medication designed for children, like Children’s Tylenol, which can help reduce the pain and inflammation of the toothache.

Cold Compress

If your child’s toothache is caused by an injury or trauma, you should treat the pain with a cold compress on the outside of the mouth. The compress serves two purposes – numbing the painful area and treating the inflammation. By having your child hold the compress to his cheek, he should have relief quickly. If your child’s mouth is bleeding, you may need to bring him or her to hospital.

When to Visit the Dentist

While a temporary toothache can be fixed at home, some signs indicate that it is time to go to the dentist. If the pain doesn’t subside after trying multiple methods, schedule a visit with the dentist for an examination. The dentist will be able to use their education and equipment to determine the underlying cause of the pain. Luckily, by following the schedule required for preventative care, you will have a current history of any dental problems your child has faced, giving your dentist a clearer picture of the possible reason for pain.