Toothaches can be distressing.

Anyone who has had a child with a toothache knows it can be distressing, for both kids and their parents. What is causing the pain? Does my child need to see a dentist immediately? Is it an infection or just something caught in between their teeth? Whatever it is causing the toothache pain, as a parent, all you want is your child to be comfortable while figuring out the root of the cause. Dr, Steven A. Lang, DDS, and his team in Middletown, Ohio, want the best for you and your child. So, here are some things that can be done to help your child deal with a toothache.

Common Causes of Toothaches

All toothaches aren’t one and the same. The most common cause of a toothache is tooth decay. Tooth decay happens when bacteria combines with sugars and starches and forms a sticky film on the teeth. If a person isn’t brushing their teeth properly, this sticky film, also known as plaque, can start eating away at the enamel, or outer layer, of the tooth. If this continues, it can lead to cavities, which is why having a good daily oral hygiene routine is important for a healthy mouth.

Other causes of toothaches can include:

• Tooth trauma or injury, including teeth grinding, or bruxism
• Food particles getting stuck between the teeth
• An infection in the tooth or gums
• Cracked or chipped teeth, including cracked fillings
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Teething, when teeth start to break through the gums, which is common in babies and toddlers

If your child is complaining of tooth pain that lasts more than a day, make an appointment with your dentist to get it checked out.

Five Ways To Help Your Child Feel Better When They Have a Toothache

If your child has a toothache, you want to make them feel better. Here are five things you can do at home to help your child find relief from a toothache.

1. Cold Compress: If your child is feeling pain from a toothache, have them use a cold compress over the area of the toothache. A cold compress can help to ease pain and reduce any swelling, if there is any. Never apply a cold compress directly on the skin. Wrap it in a dry towel or washcloth. Direct skin contact with a cold compress can cause other issues. A cold compress should also only be used for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
2. Salt Water Rinse: A warm salt water rinse can help to cleanse the area of the toothache, which can help ease the toothache. A salt water rinse helps to reduce inflammation and can also reduce the amount of bacteria living in the mouth. To make the rinse, add half a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water and mix well. Then have your child swish the solution in their mouth, making sure they spit it out.
3. No Sugary and Acidic Foods: If your child has a toothache, one of the best things they can do is avoid any foods that are sugary or acidic. These types of foods and drinks can aggravate the toothache, causing your child more pain. Prolonged exposure to sugary and acidic foods can also cause damage to otherwise healthy teeth because the acid reacts with the natural bacteria in someone’s mouth, and that can slowly eat away at the enamel of the teeth. This is why dentists urge patients not to sip on sugary or acidic drinks during the day, and, instead, spend the day sipping on water.
4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If your child is experiencing serious discomfort, they may find relief with an over-the-counter pain relief medicine. Make sure you are following the dosage instructions for children on the label. An adult dose can be too strong for them.
5. Proper Oral Health Routine: Even if your child is experiencing a toothache, it is still important that a proper oral health routine is being followed. Make sure your child is brushing their teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, and flossing at least once a day. When they get near the tooth or area that is causing the pain, just be more gentle in that area.

When is it time to see an emergency dentist?

In most cases, a toothache can be treated with at-home remedies or over-the-counter pain relief. However, if your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, they should see their dentist right away.

• Pain lasting for more than a day
• They are running a fever
• Pain when they try to bite or chew, or other signs of an infection

If your child is having trouble swallowing or breathing, they should be taken to an emergency room right away.

Visit Dr. Lang’s office biannually.

To make sure your child’s dental health is in good shape, make sure they visit the office of Dr. Steven A. Lang in Middletown, Ohio, at least twice a year. A biannual dental evaluation can catch any dental issues before they become bigger problems. Schedule your appointment today!