Have a dental pain in a child? It can be a very unpleasant experience for both the child and the parents. The pain usually makes the child cranky, eats poorly, and is unable to perform regular activities. In these situations, parents often need to know how to alleviate their child’s toothache. Moms, let’s learn how to do it properly and safely!
Why Does My Kid Have a Toothache?
Relief for a child’s toothache will depend on the underlying cause. For your information, here are the most common causes of toothache in children:
- Cavities (caries): The most common cause of toothache in children is cavities. This typically occurs when there is an overconsumption of sweet things, like sweets, chocolate, or sweetened drinks, and inadequate brushing. Sugar is transformed into acid by bacteria in the mouth, which then attacks the enamel layer of the child’s teeth.
- Teething: One of the biggest culprit of discomfort and, in some cases pain, in infants and toddlers is the teething process. Another sign when new teeth show up are swollen or red gums.
- Gum or tooth infection: Infections or abscesses in the gums can produce intense pain. This typically happens when cavities are untreated and the infections spread to the roots of the tooth.
- Dental trauma: Injuries or falls that affect a child’s teeth can cause pain, too. Such trauma can lead to cracked teeth or even partial tooth loss.
- Tooth grinding: Some children have a habit of grinding teeth, especially when they are asleep. This condition, referred to as bruxism, can lead to jaw and tooth pain.
How to Soothe a Toothache Kids
Here are some things you might try to help ease your child’s toothache:
Cold Compress
If there is swelling of the gums or the region around the tooth, apply a cold compress by placing a clean cloth with ice cubes in it. Put it on the child’s cheek close to the sore area and leave it there for 15–20 minutes. This relieves pain and swelling.
Warm Salt Water Gargle
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and have the child gargle (if age-appropriate). Saltwater acts as a natural antiseptic, which soothes the affected area from inflammation and kills any bacteria that might be causing the pain.
Use Pain Relievers
If mixtures still do not circulate with natural methods, you can give medicine based, for example, ibuprofen or paracetamol, specially designed for children. Make sure you follow the recommended dosage based on the child’s age, Moms.
Children Special Gel Application
Use a children anesthetic gel for babies or toddler which is teething. Applying this gel directly helps to reduce gum pain.
Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side
If the child can eat, offer soft foods such as porridge or soup, and encourage him or her to refrain from chewing on the side of the painful tooth. It reduces the chance of further inflammation of the nerve.
Distract the Child
After all, sometimes the best treatment for fussy kids with a toothache is distraction. So, encourage them to watch their favorite cartoons, read them a story or let them spend time playing to divert their mind off the pain.
When to See a Dentist?
Although there are many things you can do to address this at home, there are instances when you should take your child to the dentist right away.
- The toothache persists for more than 48 hours despite home remedies.
- The child has a high fever, or there is marked swelling of the face, which could mean a serious infection.
- There are signs of abscess, such as pus around the tooth or pain on touching
- A child [sets a tooth] but [did falls out] because of an injury, and needs follow-up care.
- The child struggles to eat or sleep from intractable pain.
- A dentist gets you treated accordingly — filling your cavities, treating your infections, etc., or even root canal treatment if required.
That’s how to treat toothache in children. Moms, don’t forget to take your child to the dentist regularly at least 6 months.
