Children and Toothache – What to Do

Toothaches can be distressing for children, and it is not always easy for parents to determine the cause of the pain. Toothaches can occur for a variety of reasons, but the most common is tooth decay – so it is important to visit your paediatric dentist as soon as possible so that treatment can commence. In this blog post we will be sharing some insight into the causes of toothache, along with some helpful home remedies to soothe your child’s discomfort until you are able to visit Specialist Kids Dentist.

Why do Toothaches Occur?

Toothaches can occur in people of all ages, and they are usually caused by plaque build-up, injury, tooth decay and even overbrushing. Adults are often able to determine the cause of their pain and seek immediate relief, but for children this is much harder as they may be unable to clearly communicate the source of their pain or have a fear of visiting the dentist. You should never ignore a toothache, as the problem is unlikely to get better on its own and delaying treatment could cause further complications.

The following are some of the most common causes of toothache:

• Cavities – poor dental habits and a diet high in starch and sugars can contribute to the development of tooth decay. Children should visit their paediatric dentist on a frequent basis so that the early signs of decay can be picked up and treated.
• Chipped or Cracked Teeth – if your child has a cracked or chipped tooth, a filling may be necessary. Common causes for cracked teeth include biting down on hard foods, as well as tooth grinding (bruxism) which is common amongst children.
• Sinus infection – it is possible for sinus infections to cause toothaches. If you suspect this may be the cause, you should visit your doctor.
• Abscess – children can also get a tooth abscess which cause toothache, and this will require immediate treatment by a dentist.

How to Relieve Your Child’s Toothache at Home

Toothaches can occur when you least expect it, and it may not be possible to visit the dentist immediately. In these situations you can try the following home remedies to relieve your child’s pain:

• Salted warm water – gargling a glass of warm water with a small amount of salt dissolved in it can aid in relieving swelling in the gums, reducing pain and killing bacteria.
• Ice pack – pressing an ice pack against the cheek will help to numb any toothache pain.
• Children’s pain relief medication – you can administer over the counter children’s pain relief medicine to provide fast acting relief. Be sure to read the directions and dosage recommendations on the pack.
• Clove oil – a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball can help to cleanse teeth and gums and provide a slight numbing effect.

Tips to Avoid Making Toothache Worse

The above are all great ways to relief toothache pain, but you should avoid the following as they may make the pain worse:

• Poking teeth – try not to poke your child’s teeth with your fingers or implement, as this will do more harm than good.
• Eating hard foods – until you are able to visit the dentist, it is best to feed your child soft foods.
• Very Hot and Very Cold Foods – your child’s teeth will be more sensitive, so try not to feed them any hot or cold foods such as tea, ice cream, soup etc.

Is Your Child Suffering from Toothache? Visit Specialist Kids Dentist Today

Toothaches can be worrying for children and parents alike, and it is important that the issue is seen to as soon as possible. Specialist Kids Dentist are a leading Sydney paediatric dentist, and we have a wealth of experience in treating children’s toothache. To make an appointment, please call 02 9600 6848 today.