A Pediatric Dentist Explains 5 Things You Should Do If Your Child Complains of a Toothache

Wondering why you should choose a pediatric dentist when your child is in need of dental care? Pediatric dentists receive additional training that allows them to provide your child with the optimal dental services they deserve. Pediatric dentists understand everything there is to know about treating toothaches in children. Ready to learn more about what you should do if your child is currently complaining about a toothache?

About toothaches

Want information from a pediatric dentist about addressing toothaches in children? Toothaches are a fairly common occurrence in children and are often caused by some degree of tooth decay. Additional reasons for toothaches in children include a chipped tooth, a loose tooth and a missing filling. Toothache pain can be minimal or extreme, dull or sharp and can last for a few hours, a few days or longer.

Things parents should do if their child complains of a toothache

The following is a list of five things parents can do when their child complains that one or more of their teeth hurt.

#1. Look for the reason behind the pain

The first thing parents need to do is find out where the pain is coming from. Has the child recently suffered some type of injury that is causing their tooth pain? If the child is old enough to talk, the parents can simply ask them to explain the pain. If too young, the parents will need to look inside their mouths to try to determine where the pain is coming from. If there are no obvious signs of tooth injury, then it is likely the pain is due to some form of tooth decay.

#2. Ask them to rate their level of pain

Asking a child to rate their level of pain on a scale from one to 10 can help parents understand just how severe their child’s toothache really is. Tell the child that number one means there is just a little bit of pain, and number 10 means that it hurts so much, they cannot think about anything else. Extreme pain warrants a trip to the dental office as soon as possible.

#3. Rinse their mouth with warm saltwater

Rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater helps relieve any pain and/or swelling present due to the toothache, as saltwater acts as an antiseptic. It is possible for the toothache to go away after rinsing, normally between 24 and 48 hours. If the toothache persists, a dental visit is required.

#4. Use a cold compress

Placing a cold compress on the area helps reduce discomfort and pain. Cold treatments restrict the blood vessels, slowing down the amount of blood flowing to or near the toothache area. If the toothache continues after two days’ time, dental treatment is required.

#5. Give them an over-the-counter pain reliever

Over-the-counter pain relievers for children include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The dosage a child receives is based on their age and should be given to them per the instructions. While pain relievers will help the child experience less pain, it does not address the underlying reason for the toothache.

Looking for a new dentist?

In need of a new pediatric dentist? A pediatric dentist can help if your child is experiencing a toothache. It does not matter whether the toothache is minor or major, making an appointment as soon as possible is recommended. The longer a child suffers from a toothache, the more difficult it will be to treat.

Are you considering a pediatric dentist in the Richmond area? Get more information at https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Oral Hygiene Basics: Brushing Thoroughly Twice A Day

Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…

Oral Hygiene Basics: Choosing The Right Toothbrush

Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When the time comes, many parents need clarification about what type of toothbrush is best for children. This simple tool comes in many different forms, including a variety of sizes and bristle textures. You may wonder why there are so many…

Oral Hygiene Basics: The Different Types Of Toothbrushes

Teeth brushing is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque from teeth. However, the toothbrush kids use can impact how effective this practice is. To optimize toothbrushing, parents need to find a brush that fits their child's needs. Fortunately, there are many options out there.A pediatric dentist can help parents…

Oral Hygiene Basics: Is Mouthwash Good For Your Child's Teeth?

Children brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day are important oral hygiene basics, but what about using mouthwash? Is it a necessary part of keeping their teeth healthy? While mouthwash is not typically included in the oral hygiene basics recommended by pediatric dentists, it can still offer several benefits when used correctly.One of the…

Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental

Share
Published by
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental

Recent Posts

Oral Hygiene Basics: Brushing Thoroughly Twice a Day

Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day…

1 day ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When…

4 days ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: The Different Types of Toothbrushes

Teeth brushing is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque…

2 weeks ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: Is Mouthwash Good For Your Child’s Teeth?

Children brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day are important oral hygiene basics, but…

2 weeks ago

Oral Hygiene Basics: How To Lower the Risk for Tooth Decay

Tooth decay happens when the enamel, or tooth surface, is damaged. You can use oral…

2 weeks ago

How the Basics of Oral Hygiene Are Vital for Healthy Teeth

In order to maintain your child's healthy teeth and gums, you should follow the oral…

3 weeks ago