Instead of waiting for the pain to go away on its own or trying home remedies for toothaches, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches usually indicate a dental injury or infection, and prompt professional care can prevent the situation from worsening.

This article will cover the following topics:

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity in Children?

Children may experience tooth sensitivity when the enamel of their teeth wears down, exposing the dentin. This can happen due to acidic foods or drinks, poor oral hygiene, or teeth grinding. Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and avoiding triggers can help manage tooth sensitivity in children.

How Can Cavities Lead to Toothaches in Children?

Cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode the enamel, leading to decay. As cavities progress, they can cause toothaches in children. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and a healthy diet can help prevent cavities and toothaches.

Why Do Children Experience Tooth Pain During Teething?

Teething can cause discomfort and mild pain as a child’s teeth erupt through the gums. Massaging the gums, using teething rings, and providing pain relief medications recommended by a pediatrician can help alleviate tooth pain during teething.

How Can Trauma to the Mouth Cause Toothaches in Children?

Accidents or injuries to the mouth can result in toothaches in children. Fractured teeth, dislodged teeth, or injuries to the gums or jaw can cause pain. Immediate dental care is necessary to address trauma-related toothaches in children.

How to Tell If Your Toddler Has a Toothache

In infants and toddlers, non-verbal signs of toothaches include fussiness, rubbing teeth, changes in eating habits, and difficulty sleeping. If your child seems uncomfortable, consult a pediatric dentist.

If your child also has a fever along with these symptoms, seek advice from your child’s pediatrician.

Other signs to look out for include swelling or redness in the gums, excessive drooling, and refusing to eat or drink cold or hot foods. It’s important to check your child’s mouth regularly for any signs of tooth decay or infection.

Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and visits the dentist regularly for check-ups. Healthy dental habits from a young age can help prevent toothaches and other oral health issues in the future.

It’s important to teach your child good oral hygiene habits to prevent toothaches in the future. Make sure they brush their teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and visit the dentist for regular check-ups.

Encourage your child to eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to promote strong teeth and gums.

If your child plays sports, make sure they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury.

If your child is experiencing persistent tooth pain, swelling, or fever, seek immediate medical attention as it could be a sign of a more serious issue.

Call Hurst Pediatric Dentistry to Schedule an Appointment

If your child is suffering from tooth pain, contact a pediatric dentist to identify and address the root cause.

Dr. Jin Lin, a board-certified pediatric dentist in Hurst, Texas, offers dental exams and treatments for children.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY:

Dr. Jin Lin

Dr. Jin Lin is a board-certified pediatric dentist dedicated to helping children achieve healthier smiles.

Tooth pain can disrupt your child’s day. Learn about toothache symptoms and remedies to provide immediate relief.

This guide aims to support your child’s oral health.

Table of Contents

Tooth pain in children can have various causes, but simple home remedies can offer temporary relief. Visit Youth Dentistry in Aurora if the pain persists.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain in Kids

Cavities, gum disease, tooth abscess, sinus infection, and food particles are common causes of toothaches in children.

Home Remedies for Toothache Relief

Saltwater rinses, cold packs, and clove oil are effective home remedies for temporary relief until professional help is available.

1. Warm Salt Water Rinse

Saltwater acts as a natural disinfectant that can reduce inflammation and eliminate harmful bacteria when swished in the mouth.

2. Cold Pack or Ice Pack

Applying a cold pack near the painful tooth can numb the area, reduce swelling, and improve blood flow.

Use Clove oil for fast toothache pain relief:

Clove oil has numbing properties that can alleviate pain. Apply it to the affected area with a cotton ball or swab.

Garlic fights oral bacteria and infections:

Crushed garlic paste applied to the affected area can provide relief from tooth pain.

Peppermint tea bag for natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory relief:

Warm water baths followed by application to the painful tooth or gums can help reduce discomfort.

Hydrogen peroxide rinse for fighting bacterial infections:

Mixing warm water with salt and having your child rinse can also provide relief.

When to see a pediatric dentist for tooth pain:

Some toothache symptoms require immediate attention. Do not delay seeking help if your child experiences:

• Toothache lasting more than 24 hours
• Swelling of gums, cheek, or jaw
• Signs of a tooth abscess like extreme pain or fever
• Difficulty eating, sleeping, or speaking due to dental pain

For severe pain or emergencies, call (303) 886-0699 to reach an emergency dentist in Aurora, CO.

Prevent toothache symptoms in your child:

• Maintain daily oral hygiene
• Limit consumption of sugary and acidic foods
• Regular dental checkups for preventive care
• Encourage drinking water instead of sugary drinks
• Ensure your child wears a mouthguard during sports to prevent dental injuries
• Teach proper brushing and flossing techniques to your child
• Consider dental sealants to protect your child’s teeth from decay

Consult a doctor or dentist for suspected sinus infections or abscess issues.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as pain or pressure in your sinuses, facial swelling, tooth pain, or persistent bad breath, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Sinus infections and dental abscesses can cause serious complications if left untreated, so consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial. A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, drainage procedures, or dental intervention. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to further health problems, so make sure to address them with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Manage tooth pain at home temporarily:

Rinse with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in the mouth. You can also try using a cold pack on the outside of your cheek near the painful tooth to numb the area and reduce swelling. Clove oil can be applied directly to the tooth and gums for temporary pain relief, as it has natural numbing properties. Additionally, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate toothache discomfort. Remember to see a dentist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of your tooth pain.

Understanding and managing sudden tooth pain in children:

Recognize symptoms, causes, and apply temporary relief measures at home for tooth pain.

Allow natural shedding of baby teeth and use relief methods for discomfort.

Soft foods can ease pain during loose tooth stage:

Avoid hard or crunchy foods and chew on the opposite side of the discomfort.

Use cold compresses and soft treats for pain relief:

Apply ice packs and consider ice cream treats (remember to brush teeth afterward).

Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and numb the pain in the affected area. You can use a cold pack wrapped in a towel or a bag of frozen peas. Apply it to the painful area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Soft treats like ice cream can provide temporary relief from oral pain. Opt for sugar-free options to avoid further irritation to the area. Just remember to brush your teeth afterwards to prevent cavities.

Saltwater rinse for disinfecting and reducing pain:

Reduce swelling and discomfort by rinsing with warm salt water.

Ensure gentle and thorough brushing around the loose tooth and surrounding gums to maintain oral health and reduce plaque and bacteria.

5. Use Over-the-Counter Medications

If natural remedies are not effective, consult a doctor and consider administering small doses of aspirin or ibuprofen as recommended, but remember this offers only temporary relief.

Call Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics With Questions

Every child’s experience with loose teeth is unique. For guidance on oral health and infection prevention, contact Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today!

Dr. Dana, a pediatric dentist from Portland who studied at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, completed her Pediatric Dentistry residency in Anchorage, AK. She takes a holistic approach to pediatric dentistry, drawing from her parenting experience to understand each family’s needs.