Toothaches are a common problem for children. A toothache is usually a sign of a larger problem, like tooth decay, and can get worse quickly if not treated properly. If your child has a toothache, they should see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Does your child receive preventative dental care? Don’t have a dentist yet? Need to find a dental office that takes Medicaid? Call Kool Smiles at 254-781-0553 and get access to affordable dentists in your area. No matter your financial circumstances, your child deserves high-quality dental care for toothache cures, and that’s what we offer.

Read on to learn more about toothaches, how to prevent them, how to get rid of them and how to get access to a dentist who accepts your insurance. Here are eight cures for a toothache that you can try at home until you can get your child to the dentist.

Try These 8 Home Remedies for Toothache Pain

If your child is suffering from a toothache, you should book an appointment with a general or pediatric dentist in your area. Until then, you can provide temporary relief with home remedies. Common home treatments for toothache cures include:

1. Warm Salt Water

Have your child swish and rinse his or her mouth out with warm water mixed with salt. The salt kills the bacteria, while the warm water can help ease pain and reduce swelling in the gums. You can do this repeatedly throughout the day.

2. Clove Oil

Squeeze a few drops of clove oil onto a cotton ball until it is slightly soaked, then apply it directly to the tooth to ease the pain. The clove oil can help soothe a toothache and numb the area of the mouth around the tooth. You can also squeeze a few drops into a portion of coconut oil and swish this mixture in your mouth. Coconut oil itself can reduce plaque buildup, fight gum disease and prevent tooth decay, so even if you don’t have a toothache, you can swish this around your mouth on occasion.

3. Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine

Taking OTC pain relievers can help dull the pain, but please follow the recommended dosage for children.

4. Cold Compress

Placing a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your child’s cheek can help numb the pain and relieve swelling if the toothache is caused by trauma or injury rather than tooth decay or plaque.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Rinse a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with water and swish it like mouthwash. It can bring you relief and ward off gingivitis. However, you should be very careful that your child doesn’t swallow or ingest this because it can cause stomach issues.

6. Peppermint

The aromatic peppermint plant is often used to alleviate headaches, colds and nausea—and it can cure toothaches. Try these methods:

• Place fresh peppermint leaves against your tooth.
• Steep a peppermint tea bag until it’s warm, then press it against the tooth.
• Mix some peppermint essential oil with the clove oil, apply it to a cotton ball and place that against the irritation for a toothache cure.

7. Garlic

To alleviate tooth pain, garlic can be used as a natural antibiotic. You can finely chop a garlic clove, smash it and, after letting it sit for 10 or so minutes, apply it directly to the area. After a minute or two, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, if possible.

8. Thyme

Like hydrogen peroxide, thyme can ward off tooth decay and, best of all, it’s a natural pain reliever. Boil water, fill a cup and place thyme leaves inside. Once they have steeped and the water has cooled a bit, let your child gargle the water. Feel free to do this a few times.

Although these are toothache cures, the pain may persist or return. It is best to see a dentist to make sure there aren’t issues with your child’s dental health.

What Causes a Toothache

Toothaches can be caused by a buildup of plaque, tooth decay, poor dental habits or injury, among other things. They should not be ignored since the underlying problem can cause infection or long-term damage.

Here are some common dental issues that bring on toothaches:

• Cavities—These occur as a result of tooth decay. If your child eats a lot of candy, bread, cereal and soda, etc., they’re more vulnerable to decay. This is why routine dental visits are important.
• Cracked tooth—A cracked tooth likely requires a filling. They can occur from grinding your teeth or chewing on hard foods like candy or ice.
• Loose fillings—If your dental fillings loosen or crack, it’s time to get them replaced. This may cause a toothache. If you don’t get the filling replaced quick enough, you could end up needing a root canal.
• Abscess—If you have an abscessed tooth, you may experience a toothache, but you could also feel tooth sensitivity or have other symptoms like a fever.
• Sinus condition—If you have a sinus infection, you could feel toothaches in your upper rear teeth. If your dentist doesn’t believe you have a dental-related issue, you may need to see your regular doctor regarding your sinuses.

Although these are just a few causes of toothaches, know that toothaches could worsen and become dental emergencies. It’s best to take care of the issue quickly.

What Home Remedies Make Toothaches Worse?

Browse the internet and you’ll find dozens of home remedies. Some recommended tips may relieve the pain, and some might actually make the painful worse. When dealing with a toothache, try to avoid:

• Poking at the tooth with your tongue, with tools, or with your finger. It will likely worsen your toothache. Try to leave it alone.
• Chewing could worsen the toothache. To avoid this pain, you can eat soft foods until you see the dentist and relieve the pain.
• Very hot and very cold foods could irritate the tooth which is extra sensitive. This includes ice cream, ice, soda, hot tea, hot coffee or soup.
• Sugary foods can worsen a toothache. Avoiding sugary candies, chocolate and any other sweets.

Toothache cures are great, but if you continue to eat sugary hard candies, you are likely making it worse. Do your best to treat the toothache with our recommended home remedies, until you see the dentist and figure out what exactly is causing it.

When a Toothache Is Considered an Emergency

Although toothaches often require dental care, a severe toothache could be a dental emergency. If the at-home remedies aren’t working and the pain is getting progressively and severely worse, you likely have a dental emergency that needs to be taken care of immediately.

If you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms, you should go see a dentist as soon as possible:

If it’s a true medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Kool Smiles Can Help Cure Toothaches

Each of these remedies can help cure your child’s toothache, but remember that toothaches are often a sign of a bigger problem like tooth decay, infection or plaque buildup. Don’t ignore a toothache—take your child to a dentist as soon as possible to prevent long-term problems.

The friendly dentists at Kool Smiles 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.

Give Kool Smiles a call at 254-781-0553 to speak with a representative and set up an appointment right away to get your child’s toothache cured.

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Sources:

Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-toothache/basics

Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-and-teeth

WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/toothache-and-gum-problems-home-treatment

Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265214.php

The Epoch Times: https://www.theepochtimes.com/thyme-herb-of-courage-coughs-purification-and-pain_1982325.html

WebMD: www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/toothaches

Healthline.com: https://www.healthline.com/health/abscessed-tooth