7 Essential Steps When Your Child Has a Toothache: Expert Dentist for Kids Guide

Nothing breaks a parent's heart quite like seeing their child in pain. When your little one comes to you with tears in their eyes, holding their cheek and saying their tooth hurts, it can feel overwhelming. But here's the good news: most childhood toothaches are manageable, and knowing what to do can make all the difference for both you and your child.

If you're searching for a trusted dentist for kids who understands how to handle these situations with care, you're already taking the right first step. Let's walk through exactly what you should do when your child experiences tooth pain, and when it's time to seek professional help.

Why Do Kids Get Toothaches?

The most common culprits of toothaches include tooth decay, also known as cavities, food particles (like a popcorn husk) stuck between teeth, or something as simple as a loose baby tooth. Sometimes, a loose tooth that's ready to come out can cause a surprising amount of discomfort, especially if there is also pressure from the permanent tooth trying to grow in.

Other sources of pain from inside the mouth could be that your child might have accidentally bitten their tongue or inner cheek while eating, or there is a small ulcer, which can result from trauma or in reaction to some other irritant. Certain foods (like cinnamon or citrus) or substances/additives in oral care products (like SLS) can cause reactions called aphthous ulcers in people with higher susceptibility to oral ulcers.

Less commonly, toothaches can signal more serious issues like an abscessed tooth, which can be the consequence of a large untreated cavity or nerve death after dental trauma (tooth injury). That's why having a relationship with a pediatricdentist for kids is so valuable, as they can quickly distinguish between minor discomfort and something that needs immediate attention.

7 Essential Steps to Take When Your Child Has a Toothache

1. Stay Calm and Comfort Your Child

Your reaction sets the tone for how your child will handle the situation. Take a deep breath, offer reassuring words, and let them know you're going to help them feel better. Sometimes, a child's fear or worry can make the pain feel worse than it would be if they were confident that there is a solution just around the corner.

Gently ask them to show you where it hurts, and if they have the communication ability to provide additional information, ask them to describe the pain. Is it sharp, dull, throbbing, or only when they bite down? This information will be helpful when you contact our office to help triage the situation.

2. Check for Visible Food Particles

Sometimes toothaches are caused by something as simple as a piece of food lodged between teeth. Use dental floss to gently remove any visible debris, but be careful not to force anything deeper into the gums.

If you can't easily remove the particle, don't keep trying; this is when it's time to call your pediatric dentist for professional help.

3. Rinse with Warm Salt Water

Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and have your child gently swish it around their mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This natural remedy can help reduce swelling and flush out any food particles that might be causing irritation.

If your child is too young to rinse and spit effectively, you can dab the salt water on the affected area using a cotton swab.

4. Apply a Cold Compress

Place a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth on the outside of your child's cheek after an injury. This can help numb the pain and reduce swelling from inflammation. Never apply ice directly to the skin.

You can repeat this process as needed in the aftermath of an injury. Many kids find the cold sensation soothing and distracting from their discomfort. Kids are often used to having ice placed on other parts of their body after a “boo boo”, so remember you can do this for a swollen lip after oral trauma as well.

5. Use Age-Appropriate Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers like children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide excellent temporary pain relief. Always follow the dosing instructions on the package based on your child's age and weight. You can use the liquid formulation, or you can give a pill if your child has learned how to swallow a pill.

Never give aspirin to children under 18. Also, never place pain medication directly on a tooth or gums, as this can cause chemical burns.

6. Offer Soft, Cool Foods

While your child is experiencing tooth pain or tenderness, stick to soft foods that won't aggravate the sensitive area. Think yogurt, smoothies, soup, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, scrambled eggs, or even ice cream and popsicles — yes, ice cream and popsicles can actually help numb the pain temporarily! Just use good judgment and don’t go overboard with the treats.

Avoid anything too hot, sweet, or acidic until your child has been evaluated for the precise source of the pain and you’ll get more specific instructions for how the situation should be handled.

7. Contact Your Pediatric Dentist

Here's the most important step: don't wait to call yourdentist for kids. Even if the pain seems manageable, it's always better to have a professional evaluation to prevent the problem from getting worse. Some injuries or problems may be worse than they look to the naked eye. Or course, things can also go the other way around. Maybe something that looks very worrisome is ultimately a self-limiting problem that will heal uneventfully with some time (and possibly with a prescription for medicine to shorten the duration), but it’s best to let a pediatric dentist help diagnose the problem and suggest the best management plan.

Our pediatric dentist office in Rockville, MD, has protocols in place to help children in pain as quickly as possible.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

While many toothaches can wait for a regular appointment, certain symptoms require immediate attention. Call your pediatric dentist right away if your child experiences:

• Severe, persistent pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medication (Motrin, Tylenol)
• Swelling in the face, gums, or jaw
• Fever accompanying the tooth pain
• A tooth that's been knocked loose or is completely knocked out (do NOT re-insert the tooth if it was a baby tooth)

These symptoms could indicate a serious infection or injury that needs prompt professional treatment.Quick intervention can often save a tooth and prevent complications.

For symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty breathing, take your child to the nearest urgent care or emergency room.

Your Child's Comfort Comes First

Don't wait until your child is in pain to establish dental care. Come see Dr. Ball and her team at Shady Grove Pediatric Dentistry, a pediatric dentist for kids, to schedule a comfortable, friendly visit that will set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Your child's dental health is too important to leave to chance, take that first step toward prevention and peace of mind.