Toothache medicine for kids: The search is on

Posted by Ebony Fallon on Dec 15, 2019 in Dental Health | 0 comments

Do you know a parent who would allow a child to suffer the pain of having a toothache? I don’t expect anyone would say yes. As a matter of fact, one of the most searched keywords in Google when it comes to finding toothache medicine is ‘toothache medicine for kids’. That means thousands, if not millions, of parents and guardians, not only located in Burwood, but all over the world, are searching for ways to help alleviate the suffering of their children from tooth pain. Luckily for you, we are here to discuss about why kids have toothaches at such a young age and what toothache medicine for kids would work for them.

Toothache medicine for kids: Why do they even have tooth pain?

Our kids have 20 baby teeth that they gradually shed one by one starting the age of 6 or 7. These teeth eventually get replaced by permanent teeth that they would complete when they reach 12 to 13 years of age (except for their third molars or wisdom teeth that would more likely erupt during their late teen years). So you may wonder, why would my child encounter toothaches if they are to naturally shed their teeth, whether they are healthy or damaged? There are 4 things:

Their gums are sensitive and swollen because of teething. Kids may complain that their tooth hurts but it is more likely that their gums are a bit on the red and swollen side because permanent teeth are already starting to erupt.
They are not practicing good oral hygiene. There may be food debris or particles that are stuck between their teeth. Also, no matter what age you are and whether you still have baby teeth or already have your permanent ones, no one can be exempted from the risk of developing cavities. That is why proper oral care should be imposed as early as possible to prevent tooth decay which may really cause pain and infection.
They encountered an accident that may have injured their teeth. They may not notice it at first, but if your child suddenly complains of a toothache, ask him if his mouth has been injured or hit during playtime. Pulpitis or the inflammation of the inner part of the tooth that houses the blood vessels and nerves may be the culprit.

Toothache medicine for kids: What parents can do

The first thing is to make sure what causes the pain. Ask the child if he can show you or pinpoint what tooth hurts, then assess if it is a stuck food or cavities that caused the soreness. You can contact your dentist for further assessment, but in the meantime, here are some tips and toothache medicine for kids that you can do to alleviate their discomfort.

Gently brush and floss your child’s teeth. This eliminates the possibility that the discomfort is caused by a trapped food particle in between their teeth. You can also visualize the teeth and gums better if the mouth is thoroughly cleaned.

saltwater rinse for toothache

Rinse with warm saltwater. Salt is a natural antiseptic, and warm water will not sting compared to extremely hot or cold mouthwash. Swish it gently and don’t overdo it.

Use a cold compress. If you have one, place it on the cheek near the affected area. You can also use a cube of ice wrapped in a clean cloth and place it directly on the teeth and let it stay there for 15 minutes on and off.

Apply clove oil. It is believed that this Greek concoction helps with its antimicrobial properties. Dab some with a cotton swab and your child can instantly feel relief for a while.

Have toothache medicine for kids. If the pain still persists, you can try and give your child over-the-counter or store-bought pain medications that are kid-friendly, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These are anti-inflammatories that help relieve the redness, swelling, ad sensitivity of the tooth and gums. However, it is still better to consult your dentist for the appropriate antibiotic for tooth pain.