It can be unsettling for your child if they are experiencing a toothache.
Any sudden pain can be alarming and uncomfortable for your child, especially if they aren’t sure how to articulate their pain. A toothache can be extra scary for a child because it is an uncommon area to feel pain in. However, if your child is experiencing tooth pain, you can use these tips while you wait for your appointment with Dr. Steven A. Lang or your local dentist in Miami Valley, Ohio.
Get as much information as you can.
If your child is complaining about tooth pain, try to get as much information from them as you can. Ask questions like:
- Where does it hurt?
- When did the pain start?
- Can you show me where it hurts?
- Can you chew/bite down?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how much does it hurt?
- Is it a throbbing pain?
- Is it a constant pain?
By gathering as much information as you can, you may be able to narrow down what is causing the tooth pain in your child. If your child will let you, inspect their mouth in the area where they indicate the tooth pain is. All of this information will be helpful if you need to call Dr. Lang’s office and speak to his team.
Is it necessary to make a dentist appointment?
If your child is in extreme pain, it is best to reach out to Dr. Lang’s office to see if he can see your child immediately. If your child has a major injury that has caused a tooth to break, chip, or come loose from its socket, Dr. Lang will want to see your child right away. If there is abnormal swelling and redness, that is another instance where you should have your child see Dr. Lang as soon as possible. If your child isn’t complaining a lot, and you don’t see any visible signs of damage to the tooth or gums, you may not need an emergency visit to see Dr. Lang —but do keep an eye on your child and monitor their pain level, because if things change, you may need to bring your child in.
Home Remedies to Relieve Pain
While you are waiting for an appointment to see Dr. Lang and his team, there are things you can do at home to help relieve the tooth pain your child may be feeling.
Painkillers
If your child has pain or swelling that is making them uncomfortable, there are over-the-counter options available to help relieve the pain. You can give your child a pain reliever like children’s Tylenol, or use a numbing agent like Orajel. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label to make sure your child is receiving the correct dosage. If you have questions, you can ask a pharmacist or reach out to Dr. Lang’s office for suggestions.
Cold compress
Another home remedy for pain is a cold compress. Take an ice pack and wrap a dry washcloth or towel around it, then place the cold compress on the area of the mouth where your child has tooth pain. The ice pack should never be placed directly on the skin, and a cold compress shouldn’t be used more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. A cold compress can help reduce any swelling your child may be experiencing.
Warm saltwater rinse
A warm saltwater rinse is another at-home remedy that can help relieve toothaches at home. Not only can a saltwater rinse help to dislodge any stuck food particles, but it also acts to reduce inflammation, which can provide relief from the pain. Dentists suggest using a saltwater rinse to ease mouth pain because there is no alcohol in it, which many mouthwashes have, and alcohol can irritate the mouth.
To create a saltwater rinse at home, simply add 1 teaspoon of table salt to 8 ounces of warm water. Mix the salt into the water until it is dissolved. Have your child gargle and rinse with the solution for 15 to 30 seconds, and then spit it out.
Contact Dr. Lang if you have questions or concerns.
If you are concerned about the pain your child is experiencing from a toothache, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Lang and his team. They are always willing to answer your questions, and if necessary, schedule an appointment for your child to see the dentist. As always, if it is an emergency, like a tooth has been knocked out or your child is bleeding and you can’t get it to stop, take your child to the emergency room immediately—they’ll be able to help you, especially if Dr. Lang’s office isn’t open.