It can be very stressful to deal with your kid’s toothache as a parent. Your child’s quality of life and ability to focus can be greatly affected by toothaches. It may not be easy for your kid to talk about the pain and where it’s coming from, which makes quick care more difficult. Seeking timely care through pediatric dentistry ensures that children get the right treatment and relief. Without further ado, let’s dive into some common causes of tooth pain in children, as well as some home remedies.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain in Children
It’s important to know what can cause dental pain in kids as a parent, so you can address the issue properly. Here are some common reasons for tooth pain in children:
- Tooth decay caused by plaque buildup or sweet foods is one of the most frequent reasons and can cause immense tooth pain in kids.
- Food particles stuck between teeth may irritate gums and cause pain.
- Gum problems like Gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup) can cause swelling, bleeding, and discomfort.
- Dental infections and abscesses result in severe pain, swelling, and sometimes even fever.
- Emerging adult teeth break through the gums, which makes it a painful experience for the child.
- Loose teeth in kids can irritate the gums and cause discomfort.
- Cracked or broken teeth from falls or accidents are painful and sensitive to hot and cold.
Note: Accidents may lead to trauma to the bones underneath the teeth and cause crossbite in kids.
Talk to Your Child and Assess the Situation
Don’t forget to ask them about how the pain feels and where it’s coming from. If they are having a hard time explaining it, examine their mouth to see if you can visually detect the problem. Gently try to touch different areas of their gums with a clean finger, and ask them if they feel pressure or pain there. Make sure to examine their tongue and inner cheeks as well, because sometimes other hidden sores can be mistaken for tooth pain in children.
How to Relieve Your Child’s Tooth Pain at Home
After you’ve talked to your child and know where the pain is coming from, it’s time to do something to soothe the pain a little temporarily until you get professional dental care. Let’s explore some home remedies to alleviate tooth pain in children:
Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater rinse can be a great method to reduce inflammation, flush out bacteria, and improve healing. To make the solution, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Tell your kid to swish it for 30 seconds, and then spit it out.
Cold Compress
Wrap some ice in a piece of cloth, and apply it to the outside of the cheeks of your child near the painful area for 15-20 minutes. It can help numb the pain and reduce swelling, especially if inflammation is present.
Clove Oil
Get a cotton ball and use only one drop of clove oil to dab it, then apply it to the affected tooth or gum. Your kid can experience quick pain relief due to the natural numbing and antibacterial compounds found in clove oil. Remember not to use too much, especially for very young children.
Peppermint Tea Bags
Pick a peppermint tea bag, brew it, and set it aside so it cools down. Then, apply it to the sore area for about 20 minutes so that your kid will experience less pain and inflammation because of its natural properties.
Garlic paste
You can make garlic paste by crushing fresh garlic, then apply it to the affected area. It can alleviate the pain because of garlic’s natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Get a glass, and mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Give it to your kid and have them rinse gently for antibacterial effects. Make sure they don’t swallow the solution.
Concerned About Your Child’s Dental Health?
At My Dentist Langley, we specialise in gentle, professional care for kids with tooth pain in children. Whether it’s a sudden toothache or a regular checkup, our team is here to help restore your child’s comfort and smile.
Floss
There’s a chance that the food particles stuck between your teeth are causing the discomfort. Flossing can help get rid of such food particles that may be irritating your gums and alleviate the pain.
Want to know more about the benefits of flossing? Check out Flossing Benefits to learn about why you should do it regularly.
Pain Medication
If your child is experiencing immense pain, you can try using some pain meds like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. Remember that the dosage must be age-appropriate, and contact a pediatrician for the correct dosage.
When to Seek a Dentist for Your Child’s Tooth Pain
If the pain is persistent and has lasted for more than two days, consult a dentist. Your child needs urgent toothache care in cases of visible damage like cracked, chipped, or broken teeth to prevent infection. When your child is struggling with eating, sleeping, or doing normal activities, it’s better to get it checked by a dentist. When there are signs like difficulty breathing, pus, bleeding, fever, and swelling, you’d better get immediate dental attention.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Tooth Pain in the Future
Once you treat your kid’s toothache, here are some methods you can use to prevent tooth pain in children from happening again:
- Oral hygiene: Make sure your kid brushes at least twice a day and flosses regularly to remove stuck food and debris. It’s recommended to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Limit sugary foods: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy can be really effective when it comes to preventing toothaches.
- Drink water: Tell your child to drink water, as it can flush out food particles and neutralize acids.
- Regular dental check-ups: Don’t forget to take your kid to the dentist regularly, as soon as they have their first tooth, for professional cleaning and early detection of dental problems.
- Fluoride treatment: It can strengthen the enamel and protect vulnerable tooth surfaces from decay.
Keeping the Tooth Pain in Children Away
We understand it can be really stressful as a parent to see your dear children experiencing dental pain. Tooth pain in children can really mess with their eating, sleeping, and daily activities. If you, as a parent, are looking for trusted emergency dental care in Langley, My Dentist Langley provides you with advanced technology, expert staff, and high-quality treatment. You can book an appointment at Dental Emergency Langley!
FAQ
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What are the most common causes of tooth pain in children?
Some of the common causes are tooth decay, food particles, gum problems, dental infections, emerging adult teeth, and broken or chipped teeth.
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How can I soothe my child’s tooth pain at home?
You can use home remedies such as saltwater rinse, cold compress, olive oil, peppermint tea bag, garlic paste, hydrogen peroxide rinse, floss, and pain meds.
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When should I take my child to the dentist for tooth pain?
Consider visiting a dentist in cases of persistent pain, visible damage, struggling with eating and sleeping, difficulty breathing, pus, fever, swelling, and bleeding.
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Is it safe to give my child pain relievers for tooth pain?
Yes, you can use some over-the-counter meds, but remember to give them the age-appropriate dosage and consult a pediatrician.
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What are some preventive measures to avoid tooth pain in the future?
Don’t forget to maintain regular oral hygiene, limit sugary foods and drinks, drink plenty of water, do dental check-ups regularly, and consider fluoride treatments.
Have you ever dealt with tooth pain in children at home? Share your tips or experiences in the comments, your advice might help another parent!
