What Should I Do If My Child Has a Toothache?

If your child complains of a toothache, you don’t want to ignore it. It might be something minor, but even mild symptoms can become more serious over time. No one likes to see their child in pain. As a parent, what should you do?

Figure Out How Serious the Pain Is

The first thing you should do is find out how much pain your child is in. If your child can’t focus on anything else, call our office right away. When a toothache is causing severe pain, it’s a dental emergency. We’ll want to see them as soon as possible. If the pain comes and goes, you’ll still want to bring your child in, but you likely won’t need to come in for an appointment immediately.

How to Relieve Oral Pain at Home

Until your child can see a dentist, there are temporary solutions for the pain. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and have your child rinse their mouth. Saltwater is a disinfectant and can reduce inflammation. For swelling and pain, a cold compress helps. Have your child hold the compress to their face for 20 minutes at a time. Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol work, too. If your child is under 16, they shouldn’t take aspirin.

What Causes Toothaches?

There are many possible reasons for toothaches. Gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth infections all cause symptoms like pain and swelling. Chipped or broken teeth can be painful, as well. Whatever it is, only a dentist can diagnose and treat the issue. Often potential problems can be avoided when you come in every six months for regular cleanings and exams.

Call Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics!

If your child is in pain, please call our San Antonio office as soon as you can. Our team is trained to work with kids and we understand how scary tooth pain can be. Whether it’s a dental emergency or an issue that can be addressed a little later, we’ll identify the cause of the toothache and treat it quickly. If you have any questions about our services or want to schedule an appointment, please get in touch!

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Categorised in: Emergency Dentistry, Kids Dental Care, Preventive Dental Care