What To Do If Your Child Has Toohthache

A toothache is not something that can be easily faked by your child. It can be uncomfortable, irritable and cause a lot of pain. This can make them upset, frustrated and even put them off their favorite foods. Unfortunately, there is not one simple cause for your child’s toothache. They might have a cavity, a broken tooth or their braces might be too tight. Or they might just have food caught awkwardly between their teeth. If your child is suffering from a painful toothache, the best thing you can do is to follow these steps.

Clean their teeth

Sometimes a toothache can be caused by a minor obstruction that can be cleared by brushing especially if your child has braces. Gentle brushing and gargling with warm water can help to remove the food or debris causing the pain. Some pain may still be caused afterward as the teeth and gums will be sensitive.

You can use over the counter medication and gels to relieve their pain and discomfort. Ibuprofen or products with benzocaine are popular options as they reduce the swelling and provide some relief. Ask the pharmacist for their recommendations based on your child’s age. Always read the instructions carefully and never apply more than stated.  There are some home remedies you can try too such as gargling salt water and using ice packs. 

Avoid hard foods

A toothache can make it difficult for your child to eat hard and crunchy foods like apples and bread rolls. Eating these foods can also make their toothache worse by causing additional irritation and pain. Give them soft but tasty food options instead such as ice-cream and mash potatoes. This will be kinder on their teeth and gums and cause little pain. Stick to bland and not overly spiced or seasoned meals as these can also cause further discomfort and irritation.

Avoiding hard foods may seem like an obvious step, but you’d be surprised how many parents make this mistake. Encourage your child to use plastic cutlery to eat their food with as these can be kinder than metal. 

Seek assistance

These services are brilliant if a toothache develops over the weekend or while on vacation. If a toothache is causing symptoms such as fever, fatigue or issues swallowing, call an ambulance right away. Now you know what you have to do; you can effectively help your child become pain-free in no time. To reduce the chances of it happening again, teach them the importance of dental hygiene. 

Have your kids ever had a toothache?

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Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.