How to Manage Your Child’s Toothache

The pain from a toothache can be excruciating. For some reason, toothache pain feels like nothing else. This is actually because the very nerves of the tooth are being irritated in some way. It’s bad enough when you have to go through this kind of pain, but when it’s your child in agony, it’s almost impossible to bear. Until you can get your child to your pediatric dentist in Crosby and Aitkin, MN, here are some fast and effective ways to soothe your child’s toothache.

Heating Pad

Try using a heating pad to apply warmth to the cheek where the toothache is happening. Keep the setting at low or medium. A child isn’t necessarily going to tell you when it’s too hot. If you don’t have a heating pad in the house, you can substitute with a face towel moistened with warm tap water. You could also try placing a dry face cloth in the microwave for no more than two seconds to get it warm fast.

Topical Analgesic

There are topical analgesics available over-the-counter that will numb the area fairly quickly. Find these near the teeth cleaning supplies in any pharmacy. Be warned; they do not taste good, and your child may balk at the distaste. Just persevere and apply with the tip of your clean finger or with a cotton swab. Follow up with a sip of soothing warm milk or tepid water, but not too much, so the analgesic doesn’t get rinsed off.

Distraction

Depending upon the level of pain, you may be able to distract your child while you are en route to get pediatric dentistry in Crosby and Aitkin, MN. Try reading your child their favorite book, or animating their favourite push toy with funny voices. You might even pretend that one of their toys or dolls has a toothache, so your child’s attention is focused on helping the toy. This will also be beneficial for the child, knowing that they are not the only one who needs help.

Unless instructed by your pediatric dentist or pediatrician, avoid giving your child oral medication for a toothache. Topical solutions are best so there is no possible interference with subsequent treatment. Contact us for more information.