Toothaches are very common in kids. It is important to understand that a toothache is a sign of a more serious issue—such as dental caries, also known as tooth decay—which should be addressed without delays. If your child complains of a toothache, make sure you book an appointment with the dentist immediately to avoid any complication or aggravated symptoms.
Do you have a pediatric dentist? Has your child ever received preventive dental treatment? Are you currently looking for a clinic that accepts Medicaid? Look no further because we check all those boxes. Regardless of what your financial situation may be, we’ll make sure your child receives top quality treatments in a timely manner, and continued care for as long as needed.
While you wait for your scheduled appointment with us, here are eight cures for tooth aches that you can conveniently try at home:
Common home treatments that may provide temporary relief for toothaches include:
Help your child rinse his/her mouth with warm saline, or water mixed with salt. Saline is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which means that it can kill the bacteria in the oral cavity, and reduce any swelling as well. For best results, this should be done at least 5-8 times a day.
Soak a cotton ball with a few drops of clove oil and apply this directly on to the tooth that hurts. Clove oil is said to have a numbing effect which can provide temporary relief for the toothache.
Different kinds of OTC pain medications are available at stores which can be used to manage the toothache. However, always use drugs after thoroughly reading recommended dosages for different ages, as well as contraindications.
Cold compression in the form of ice packs can help temporarily numb the pain. These ice packs should be applied to the child’s cheek, adjacent to the aching tooth. Cold compression can also help relieve any swelling and effectively control bleeding.
Mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide into a glass of clean water and help your child rinse his/her mouth with this solution. Make sure the child does not swallow it, and spits it out following every rinse.
The peppermint plant is known for its many benefits associated with alleviating symptoms of common cold, headaches and nausea. It has also helped cure toothaches. There are several ways in which you can use this plant for this purpose.
Steep a peppermint teabag and once it is warm enough, place it on, or press it against the aching tooth.
Place fresh peppermint in the mouth, near the tooth that hurts.
Mix peppermint oil with a few drops of clover oil on a cotton ball and rub it against the aching tooth for temporary relief.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic. It has the power to curb bacterial activity and can therefore prove useful in treating toothaches. Simply smash a clove of garlic, chop it and apply it on the tooth. You may rinse the mouth with warm water after a few minutes.
Thyme is an herb that offers many benefits. One of these natural benefits is pain relief. To treat toothaches at home, you can place a few sprigs of thyme in a cup of boiling water. Once it has cooled down a little, have your child rinse his/her mouth with it several times during the day for best results.
It is important that these remedies may only provide temporary relief, and sometime may not work at all. This is why it is important to call the dentist immediately.
There are several factors that can cause toothaches in children, the most common of which include caries (tooth decay), plaque buildup, injury or trauma, and poor oral hygiene. The cause of the toothache helps dentists determine the course of treatment best suited for the case.
Following are some common dental issues that can potentially cause toothaches:
Cavities–Cavities occur as a result of uncontrolled bacterial activity in the oral cavity. Diet and hygiene in this case play a vital role and must be kept healthy at all times to avoid tooth decay.
Cracked tooth–Minor dental fractures can occur as a result of night-time or habitual teeth grinding, or from chewing on hard candies, ice and other food.
Loose fillings-It is important to take care of all previous dental restorations because if they come loose, they need to be replaced as soon as possible to avoid secondary infection and other complications.
Abscess-Abscess is a sign of infection, and can often accompany a toothache. These pus-filled cavities need to be drained to save the natural tooth, and to avoid dental complications.
Sinus Condition-Toothaches can often occur as a result of infections affected the oral sinuses. If a dentist tells you that there is nothing wrong with your teeth and gums, you may have to visit your physician to get your sinuses checked.
There are some home remedies that you may come across on the internet that can end up making your toothache worse than before. When attempting to manage a toothache, try to avoid:
Poking at the tooth with your tongue, sharp objects, make-shift tools, or with your finger.
Chewing food from the affected side can worsen the toothache. Chew your food instead, from the opposite side till the aching tooth gets treated.
Very hot and very cold beverages and foods can cause a sharp pain in a tooth that is already very sensitive. Try to avoid ice cream, ice, soda, hot tea, hot coffee and soup.
Sugary foods can aggravate toothaches and make them worse. They should be avoided entirely.
All kinds of toothaches require dental care, but when one gets severe, it may be considered a dental emergency. If none of the home remedies seem to be working, and the pain does not even respond to medication, you probably have a dental emergency that needs to be dealt with immediately.
Following are some of the signs and symptoms of dental emergencies in children:
Swelling anywhere along the jaw, around the mouth or in the neck
Lack of sensation or numbness around a tooth that may have been hurting previously
Severe headaches combined with toothaches
Pain that radiates to the whole jaw
If you spot any of these symptoms, get in touch with the dentist immediately for emergency treatment options. If it’s a true medical emergency, call 911.
The friendly Kool Smiles Kids Club partner dentists love working with kids and can help your child feel comfortable and at ease. We also offer a number of payment options, including Medicaid, to ensure that your child gets the affordable dental care they need. With over 100 locations across 15 states, you can find a location near you and get in touch with an experienced general or pediatric dentist who can provide the ultimate toothache cure.
Our team of experts absolutely love working with children and making sure that these kids feel all better when it’s time for them to leave. With multiple payment options and Medicaid acceptance, we make sure our top quality care is accessible to all families who need it. If your child is dealing with a toothache, our dentists are always ready to help!