How to Care for a Kids Toothache

How to Care for a Kids Toothache from Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental in Richmond, TXIf there is one thing parents do not know how to deal with, it is kids toothaches. Not only are you worried about your kids, but they become irritable when they are in pain. The first thing you should do is set an appointment with a pediatric dentist. But while you wait for the schedule, what kind of temporary relief can you offer your kids?

Causes of kids toothache

Poor dental hygiene will cause kids toothache. The pain itself comes from the damaged or exposed dentin or dental pulp. Toothache happens when the hard protective layer's enamel wears away and exposes the dentin (the second layer) and the dental pulp. That last layer is a soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Other reasons cause kids toothache. Even those with good dental and oral hygiene may still suffer from toothache from time to time. Depending on how excruciating the pain is, the toothache may be caused by various factors. Kids are susceptible to a lot of dental conditions. These include:

  • Emerging teeth
  • Chipped teeth or cracked enamel
  • Loose or missing fillings
  • Tooth erosion and tooth decay
  • Food stuck between the teeth
  • Accidents

Rinse with saltwater

While waiting for the dentist's appointment, one way to relieve kids' toothache is to use salt water. Warm or cold water will work for this technique. The saltwater will alleviate the pain and ease the discomfort. It can also reduce swelling, which causes the tooth to be sensitive. Take a glass of water, mix half a teaspoon of salt, then use the mixture as a mouthwash.

Apply cold compress

One of the first things that parents should do is apply a cold compress. Put ice cubes in a bag and use it on the child’s outer cheek. Hold this for 20 minutes and repeat every few hours. The cold will help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. It will also make the kids easier to cooperate with.

Make a garlic paste

Parents can make a garlic paste and apply it to the affected tooth unless the kids are allergic to garlic. While no one wants garlic breath, the antibacterial properties of garlic will kill harmful bacteria and relieve the pain. To make a paste, crush two to three garlic cloves and use a cotton bud to apply it to the tooth. Parents can also add a pinch of salt to reduce irritation.

Use peppermint plant

The Peppermint plant can alleviate headaches, common cold, and nausea. However, not many know it can also cure kids' toothache. Put crushed peppermint plants in a teabag and once it is warm enough, press it against the tooth. Parents can also use a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball to rub it on the tooth.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Richmond, TX

Preventing toothache in kids

Parents need to teach kids proper dental hygiene to prevent toothache and tooth decay. Practice brushing their teeth at least twice a day and limit sugar consumption. If they have to eat sweets, make sure to rinse their mouth with water or mouthwash. Also, parents must bring the kids to a pediatric dentist every six months. The dentist will provide a guideline on how parents and kids can improve their dental hygiene.

Request an appointment or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at 832-579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.

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