There isn’t anybody that enjoys a toothache and for a child who might be experiencing it for the first time, it can be even worse. Toothaches can happen for a variety of reasons, and there is nothing worse than not knowing what’s wrong with your loved ones when they are in pain …
Take your child to see a dentist before there is any toothache symptoms is always the best way, as we always want your child’s 1st dental check-up visit to be as pleasant and pain-free as possible.
Unfortunately, we all know toothache can happen when you are least expected, and also it can happen when you cannot get to the dentist, e.g. away on a holiday or at night, so here are some things you may do to help your child deal with the discomfort.
- Apply a cold compress
If you hold a cold pack, or a bag of frozen peas up to the cheek on the side of the face where the pain is, then it can help reduce the pain. The cold basically helps to reduce any swelling, which contributes to the pain. Just be sure to have a piece of cloth between the cold pack and your child’s cheek to prevent damaging the skin.
- Rinse with salt water
Another natural way to help reduce the pain of a toothache is to rinse the mouth with salt water. The salt water, which you can make warm if you prefer, also helps reduce some inflammation. Salt water can also help heal small wounds in the mouth, which might prevent pain.
- Applying peppermint teabags to the sore tooth
Peppermint teabags can provide some pain relief, due to a mild numbing affect they may have. Just make a cup of tea (which your child could also drink after), and let the teabag cool down. Some people pop it in the freezer for a few minutes. Then hold it up against the tooth. This can give a quite pleasing feeling, while also just taking your child’s mind of the pain for a while.
- Crushed garlic poultice
You can either apply crushed garlic to the area where the pain is, or even just chew a raw garlic clove on the side of the mouth where the pain is. Garlic can kill some bacteria and the strong flavour and heat can also distract children from soreness. It does provide some pain relief. Most children will spit out the garlic after, but it is okay to swallow it.
- Clove Oil
If you like essential oils and have clove oil at home, it has been used for centuries to help relieve tooth pain. You can pour some onto cotton wool and dab it on the affected area. Clove oil reduces pain and inflammation and contains natural antiseptics that can help clear some infections. It is quite a hot oil, but you can water it down a little if necessary.
- Thyme Tea
Infusing either thyme oil, or fresh or died thyme to make a tea, can help to reduce tooth ache a little. Applying thyme oil similarly to clove oil also works. It is a hot oil too and should be diluted before applying directly to gums.
- Pain Relief Tables or Capsules
Over the counter pain relievers such as Nurofen or Panadol will also help reduce pain for some hours if your child is struggling with it. Just follow the directions on the packet.
As mentioned above, if the pain persists then your really should visit a dentist to see what is causing the toothache and to find out what can be done to solve it. While tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothache, there are many other reasons why a tooth may become sore.
If you would like to visit a family dentist in Koo Wee Rup, then either call to make an appointment or book online.