When a Child Gets a Toothache
Toothaches are never fun, particularly for little kids who might not know what’s happening.
They can be caused by a variety of things and are usually worth a visit to the dentist, especially if it’s still hurting after a couple of days, but what can parents do when a toothache comes during the holidays or after hours?
What Causes Toothaches?
For children, a toothache could simply be teething from a new baby tooth or adult tooth. This is a normal part of development. Otherwise, the most common reason for initial tooth pain is decay, but it can also happen with gum disease, dental abscess, inflamed pulp, or a cracked tooth. Impacted teeth can be painful as well, and tooth sensitivity can be very uncomfortable.
Toothache Remedies
It’s usually best to bring a child with a toothache to the dentist. If that isn’t possible at first, there are a few things that can help manage their discomfort until then:
- Rinsing and spitting with warm salt water will reduce inflammation.
- Applying a cold compress to their cheek near where it’s sore.
- Giving them children’s over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.