What to Do If Your Child Has a Toothache
A child’s toothache can be scary for both kids and parents.
Start by rinsing your child’s mouth with warm salt water. Give age-appropriate pain medicine and call your dentist right away.
Acting quickly reduces pain and stops the problem from getting worse.
Cavities, food stuck between teeth, or gum problems often cause toothaches in children.
Kids may also get tooth pain from grinding their teeth at night or from injuries during play.
Many toothaches can be treated quickly, and you can help at home while waiting to see the dentist.
Key Takeaways
- Rinse with warm salt water and give pain medicine while calling your dentist immediately
- Most childhood toothaches come from cavities or food trapped between teeth
- Good brushing habits and regular dental visits prevent most tooth problems
Identifying and Responding to a Child’s Toothache
Learning how to spot tooth pain in children and respond quickly helps prevent serious dental problems.
Quick action and proper assessment reduce your child’s discomfort and protect their oral health.
Recognizing Symptoms and Assessing Severity
Children often cannot describe tooth pain clearly.
Watch for these signs that show toothaches:
- Crying or fussing when eating or drinking
- Holding their hand against their cheek or jaw
Children may refuse to eat on one side of their mouth. They might complain about sharp or throbbing pain.
Tooth pain can also cause trouble sleeping.
Young children may become cranky or clingy. They might avoid cold drinks or hot foods that trigger pain.
You can ask children to rate their pain from 1 to 10 if they know numbers.
For younger kids, use faces showing different pain levels.
Inspecting for Visible Dental Issues
Examine your child’s mouth gently to find possible causes of tooth pain.
Use good lighting to see problems clearly.
Look for these visible signs:
- Dark spots or holes in teeth (cavities)
- Broken or chipped teeth
Check for red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Look for food stuck between teeth.
Watch for loose teeth that should not be falling out yet.
Use a clean finger or soft cloth to gently move your child’s lip and cheek.
This helps you see the back teeth where problems often start.
White or yellow bumps on the gums may show infection.
Bad breath that does not go away after brushing can also signal dental problems.
Take photos of any issues you find. This helps when you call the dentist.
Understanding When Tooth Pain Is an Emergency
Some toothaches in children need immediate dental care.
Watch for these warning signs that need urgent attention:
- Fever along with tooth pain
- Facial swelling around the jaw or cheek
Call the dentist right away if your child has severe pain that prevents eating or sleeping.
Call for bleeding that will not stop after gentle pressure.
If a tooth is knocked out or hanging loose after injury, call the dentist.
Go to the emergency room if your child has trouble swallowing or breathing.
High fever over 101°F with dental pain or large facial swelling near the eye also need emergency care.
Most dental offices have after-hours emergency numbers.
Call even if the office is closed when your child has severe symptoms.
Regular toothaches during normal business hours can usually wait until the next day.
Decide when to call the dentist based on your child’s comfort and your concern about the problem.
Common Causes of Toothaches in Children
Tooth pain in kids happens for several main reasons.
Cavities are the most common cause, but gum problems, new teeth coming in, and injuries can also make teeth hurt.
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Cavities cause most toothaches in children.
Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from food and make acid that weakens tooth enamel.
Over time, holes develop in the teeth.
Kids get cavities more easily than adults because their tooth enamel is thinner and softer.
They also eat more sugary foods and may not brush as well.
Early cavities might not hurt at all.
As cavities get deeper, they reach the nerve inside the tooth and cause sharp pain, especially with sweet or cold foods.
Signs of tooth decay include:
- Dark spots on teeth
- Pain when chewing
Bad breath and sensitivity to hot or cold can also be signs.
Gum Disease and Infections
Gum disease can cause tooth pain in children.
Gingivitis is mild gum disease that makes gums red, swollen, and easy to bleed.
Plaque buildup along the gum line causes gingivitis.
Periodontitis is more serious and can damage the tissues that hold teeth in place.
This is less common in kids but can happen.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, puffy gums
- Bleeding when brushing
Bad taste in the mouth and loose teeth are also signs.
Dental abscesses are severe gum infections.
Pus builds up around the tooth root and causes intense pain and swelling.
Abscesses appear when tooth decay reaches the nerve or when gum disease gets very bad.
They need quick treatment to stop the infection from spreading.
Teething and Tooth Eruption
Teething causes pain when new teeth push through the gums.
This happens most with baby teeth in toddlers and wisdom teeth in teens.
Baby teeth usually come in between 6 months and 3 years old.
The gums get sore and swollen before each tooth appears.
Teething symptoms include:
- Drooling more than usual
- Wanting to chew on things
Fussiness, crying, and trouble sleeping also happen during teething.
Permanent teeth also cause discomfort when they come in.
Six-year molars often hurt because they are large teeth pushing through thick gum tissue.
Wisdom teeth can cause the most pain during eruption.
Sometimes, there is not enough room for wisdom teeth, which makes the gums sore and swollen.
Dental Trauma and Tooth Sensitivity
Active children often get injuries to teeth and mouths from falls, sports, or play.
Types of dental trauma include:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Teeth knocked loose
Teeth pushed into the gum or lost completely can also happen.
Even small cracks can cause big problems because bacteria can get in and cause infection.
The tooth nerve may also become damaged.
Tooth sensitivity causes pain with hot, cold, or sweet foods.
This happens when tooth enamel wears away or gums pull back from teeth.
Brushing too hard or grinding teeth at night can cause sensitivity.
Some children are born with more sensitive teeth.
Sensitive teeth usually cause quick, sharp pain that goes away fast.
The pain happens when the tooth touches something hot or cold.
Safe and Effective Ways to Relieve Your Child’s Toothache at Home
You can help ease your child’s tooth pain using simple methods at home.
These steps give temporary relief until you see a dentist.
Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Salt water rinses reduce bacteria and swelling in your child’s mouth.
Mix half a teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water.
The water should feel comfortably warm, not hot.
Stir until the salt dissolves.
Have your child swish the mixture gently around the sore tooth for 30 seconds.
Repeat this 2-3 times per day.
Make sure your child can spit out the salt water.
Never use hot water that could burn their mouth.
Do not let them swallow the salt water.
This method works best for children over age 6 who can rinse and spit.
Younger children might swallow too much salt water.
Cold Compress for Swelling and Pain
Cold helps numb pain and reduces swelling on your child’s face.
Wrap ice cubes in a clean towel or use a cold pack.
Place the cold compress on the outside of their cheek near the sore tooth.
Hold it there for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Never put ice directly on the skin.
Take breaks between applications.
Do not use for more than 20 minutes at once.
Repeat this every few hours as needed.
Cold works well when your child’s face looks puffy or swollen.
If your child says it is too cold, add another layer of cloth.
Appropriate Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain medicine can help manage your child’s toothache pain.
Choose acetaminophen or ibuprofen based on your child’s age and weight.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for children over 3 months.
Follow dosing instructions on the package and give every 4-6 hours as needed.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is safe for children over 6 months.
It reduces both pain and swelling.
Give every 6-8 hours as needed.
Never give aspirin to children under 18 years old.
Avoid numbing gels with benzocaine for children under 2 years.
Always read the medicine label carefully.
Measure doses based on your child’s weight.
Gentle Cleaning Around the Sore Area
Food particles around the sore tooth can make pain worse.
Gently brush and floss around the area to keep it clean.
Use a soft toothbrush and be careful not to hurt the sore spot.
Preventing Toothaches in Children
Good oral care and smart food choices prevent most toothaches.
Regular dental visits catch problems early.
Daily Oral Hygiene and Healthy Habits
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste removes plaque that causes cavities.
Children under 3 need a rice-sized amount of toothpaste.
Kids 3-6 years old should use a pea-sized amount.
Supervise children’s brushing until age 8 to make sure they clean all tooth surfaces.
Brush for 2 minutes each time and clean all tooth surfaces, including back teeth.
Brush the tongue to remove bacteria.
Replace toothbrushes every 3-4 months.
Flossing removes food and plaque between teeth.
Start flossing when two teeth touch each other.
Most children need help flossing until age 10.
Daily fluoride mouthwash strengthens tooth enamel for children over 6 years old.
Make sure they can spit it out without swallowing.
Dietary Choices and Reducing Sugar Intake
Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth that create acid.
This acid attacks tooth enamel and causes cavities.
Foods that increase cavity risk include:
- Candy and chocolate
- Cookies and cakes
Fruit juices, sodas, crackers, chips, and dried fruits like raisins also increase risk.
Limit sugary snacks to mealtimes when saliva production is higher.
Saliva helps wash away sugar and acid.
Tooth-friendly snacks include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Cheese and yogurt
Nuts, seeds, and water instead of sugary drinks are good choices.
Sticky foods like gummy candy stay on teeth longer and cause more damage.
Hard candies bathe teeth in sugar for extended periods.
Drinking water after sugary foods helps rinse away harmful substances.
Avoid sugary drinks between meals.
Scheduling Regular Dental Check-Ups
Dentists remove tartar buildup during professional cleanings. Tartar can cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Dentists find small cavities during exams before they cause pain. Children should visit the dentist every six months starting by age 1.
Early visits help children feel comfortable with dental care.
What happens during check-ups:
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The dental team removes plaque and tartar.
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Fluoride treatments strengthen teeth.
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X-rays reveal cavities between teeth.
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Sealants protect back teeth from decay.
Dental sealants prevent 80% of cavities in back teeth. These thin plastic coatings fill grooves where food gets trapped.
Parents should ask dentists about fluoride supplements if local water lacks fluoride. Professional fluoride treatments give extra protection against cavities.
Dentists can spot problems like teeth grinding or crooked teeth during regular visits. Early treatment can stop more serious issues from developing
.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often look for quick answers about toothache remedies, safe medications, and when to call a dentist. These questions address the most common concerns about managing children’s tooth pain.
What remedies can help soothe a child’s tooth pain at night?
Cold compresses help with nighttime tooth pain. Wrap a cold pack in a thin towel and place it on your child’s cheek for 15-20 minutes.
Raise your child’s head with an extra pillow. This can reduce blood flow to the painful area.
Salt water rinses may reduce swelling and pain. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and have your child swish gently, then spit it out.
Over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help your child sleep better. Always follow the dosing instructions for your child’s age and weight.
How can I manage my child’s toothache at home before seeing a dentist?
Have your child rinse with warm water to keep the area clean. This helps remove food particles that could worsen pain.
Apply cold compresses to the outside of the cheek for 15-20 minutes. Never put ice directly on the tooth or gums.
Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen in the right dose for your child’s age. Do not put aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
Offer soft foods like yogurt, soup, or smoothies. Avoid very hot or cold foods that might increase pain.
Are there any safe over-the-counter medicines for a child with a toothache?
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are safe for most children when used correctly. Always follow the dosing chart on the package for your child’s weight and age.
Ibuprofen can work well for dental pain because it reduces swelling. Give it with food to protect your child’s stomach.
Never give aspirin to children under 18 years old. Aspirin can cause a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
Avoid numbing gels or liquids with benzocaine for children under 2 years old. These products can cause breathing problems in young children.
At what point should a child with a toothache see a dentist?
Schedule a dental appointment within 24-48 hours if pain lasts more than a day. Early treatment can prevent bigger problems.
Call the dentist right away if your child has swelling in the face, gums, or jaw. This could mean the infection is spreading.
See a dentist immediately if your child has a fever with tooth pain. This may signal a serious infection.
Book an appointment if pain medicine doesn’t help your child feel better. Severe pain usually needs professional care.
What are the signs that a child’s toothache could be an emergency?
High fever with tooth pain means your child needs emergency dental care. This may suggest the infection is spreading.
Severe swelling in the face, neck, or around the eyes requires immediate attention. Call your dentist or go to the emergency room.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing along with tooth pain is a medical emergency. Seek help right away.
Pus or discharge from the gums around a painful tooth needs urgent treatment. This shows an active infection that could worsen quickly.
How can I prevent my child from getting toothaches?
Brush your child’s teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Use a rice-grain sized amount for children under 6.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals. Sugar feeds bacteria, which then create acid that damages teeth.
Take your child to the dentist every six months. Regular visits let the dentist catch problems early.
Teach your child not to chew on hard objects like ice, pencils, or toys. Chewing on these can crack teeth and cause pain.
📞 Contact Kaufman Dentistry Today
Give us a call at (310) 838-7780 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a stunning smile.
You can find us at 10760 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!