Parental instincts take over when you notice your child is in tooth pain. A dental checkup is crucial to detect and treat the root cause for effective pain relief. However, if you cannot visit the dental clinic immediately, how can you help your child tackle the paint? Read on to learn natural remedies for temporary toothache relief for kids. While a parents’ guide can help you proactively care for your child’s dental health, discover how to cure toothache naturally at home. Learn the common causes of toothache, prevention tips, and when to see a dental professional.
Common Causes of Toothaches in Children
Kids toothache often results from infections like tooth decay or issues related to the gums and soft tissues supporting the tooth. It is different from discomfort from teething or the loss of a milk tooth. Identifying the root cause of the pain is vital to providing proper treatment and long-term toothache relief for kids. Besides the eruption of new teeth or the loss of milk teeth, here are some common reasons for dental pain in children:
Dental cavities: Tooth decay or caries caused by bacteria buildup, sugary diet, and poor oral hygiene.
Gum Infections: Swollen or bleeding gums due to plaque buildup and gum infection.
Tooth Sensitivity: Sudden pain or discomfort from hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth: Injury or damage to teeth caused by falls, accidents, or biting or hitting hard objects.
Trapped food: Food particles stuck between teeth may cause pressure and pain.
Sinus Infections: Pressure caused by sinus infections in the upper jaw may feel like a toothache.
10 Effective Natural Remedies For Toothaches in Kids
A child’s toothache can be distressing for the child and the parents alike. Upon the initial signs, you may look for any obvious reasons like a loose tooth or a tooth injury. If the pain is due to trapped food particles, you may remove them using floss. A dental appointment is vital for serious dental problems and getting suggestions on the right pain reliever for toothache for kids. In the meantime, you may help your child get temporary relief through simple home treatments.
However, not all home remedies for toothache for kids have enough scientific proof and can be potentially harmful. Hence, exercising caution or consulting a healthcare provider for guidance is ideal. The best natural remedy for toothache is one that eases the symptoms without any side effects. Many consider the following natural remedies to help ease tooth pain for their child:
1. Warm Salt Water Rinse
When considering how to ease toothache at home, a warm salt water rinse is a commonly used home remedy. Salt water helps reduce bacteria and soothe inflammation. It also loosens food particles trapped between teeth. Typically, it is prepared by mixing half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Have your child swish the solution in the mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeating this two or three times a day may provide temporary toothache relief for kids before the dental checkup.
2. Cold Compress
Cold compress is a quick and effective method to help your child ease dental pain from swelling or injury. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of the cheek close to the affected area can soothe the discomfort. It numbs the area and constricts the blood vessels to reduce inflammation and pain. A cold compress consists of a few ice cubes in a small bag or wrapped in a clean cloth. It is held against the affected area on the outer side of the face for about 10-15 minutes when needed.
3. Fresh Ginger
Ginger is one of the kitchen staples with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe a wide range of discomforts from stomach aches to toothpain. Providing short-term tooth pain relief for kids, it also helps reduce swelling and fights infection. When considering how to ease toothache naturally with ginger, you may cut a small, clean piece of ginger root and have your child chew it on the affected side. Ideally, let the juice work for a few minutes before spitting it out. Some consider applying ginger paste on the painful area.
4. Peppermint Tea Bags
Peppermint is known for its antibacterial and numbing effects that help reduce infection and soothe toothache pain. Some people consider peppermint tea by steeping a few leaves in hot water for about 20 minutes and having the child rinse with it or drink it. Placing a wet, warm, or cool peppermint tea bag against the affected tooth can soothe the pain. Soaking a cotton ball in a few drops of peppermint oil and applying it to the affected area is also ideal. The cooling effect of peppermint makes it an effective toothache remedy for kids before a dental checkup.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Several studies have noted the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of hydrogen peroxide. It can help reduce swelling, and bacteria in the mouth. Some consider mixing a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water to form a rinse. It is swished in the mouth for a few seconds before spitting out and rinsing with plain water. However, higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can potentially cause side effects. Hence, exercising caution and consulting a healthcare provider before using such a rinse is vital.
6. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla, a kitchen staple used for baking and flavoring, may come in handy for temporary toothache relief for kids. The alcohol content in vanilla helps numb pain and its antioxidant properties can help reduce bacteria responsible for infections or decay. Dipping a cotton swab or clean finger into a pure vanilla extract and pressing it gently to the affected area is a remedy considered by many for short-term pain relief. However, it is vital to make sure you are using real vanilla extracts.
7. Guava Leaves
While considering how to treat toothache naturally, some people use guava leaves for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relieving properties. They may help reduce swelling and infection and relieve toothache temporarily. You may have your child chew on some fresh, clean guava leaves to release the juice. Alternatively, boiling the leaves or adding crushed leaves to boiling water can form a mouthwash to swish around the mouth and spit out.
8. Thyme
Essential oil of thyme is another toothache remedy for kids considered by many. It has strong antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help fight the root cause of toothache such as bacterial infections and decay. Some mix a few drops of thyme essential oil with water to gargle. Applying a diluted form on the painful area is known to offer pain relief for many. In either case, the rinse is spat out after letting it work for a few seconds.
9. Clove Oil
Clove oil contains eugenol and works as a natural antibacterial and pain reliever for toothaches and reduces swelling. Adding a few drops of clove oil to a cotton ball and placing it on the painful area is known to provide relief. While clove oil may have an unpleasant taste and may have side effects if swallowed, it is ideal to opt for over-the-counter oral medications with clove oil as an active ingredient.
10. Chamomile
Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce swelling and tooth pain. Many consider using chamomile tea or tea bags for external application to relieve toothache temporarily. Steeping a chamomile tea bag in boiling water and using the tea once it cools off as a mouthwash can help. Cooling a wet chamomile tea bag and holding it on the affected area helps numb it for extra relief.
How To Prevent Toothaches in Kids
While consulting a pediatric dentist is crucial for long-term toothache relief for kids, watching your child’s oral hygiene can help the cure last longer and prevent tooth pain from recurring. Proactive dental care helps prevent the common causes of toothache like tooth decay, gum disease, and swellings or abscesses from untreated oral infections. Watching your child’s diet and lifestyle habits is also important. Here are some tips to consider:
Brushing: Make sure to brush your child’s teeth twice daily using the right brushing techniques. Dentistry recommends the use of fluoride toothpaste to resist cavities and dental decay, and the use of soft-bristled toothbrush for gentle cleaning. It is ideal to pick a kids-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush to ensure the right amount of fluoride, safety, and effectiveness.
Flossing: Flossing is as important as brushing. It helps remove food particles from hard-to-reach areas between teeth and helps prevent them from causing pressure on teeth and promoting plaque and decay. You may use the right flossing technique and dental floss to clean your child’s teeth. Interdental toothbrushes and water flossers are convenient alternatives to regular dental floss.
Rinsing: Have your child rinse their mouth thoroughly with water after every meal. This helps wash away food particles and bacteria that contribute to plaque, cavities, and tooth pain. Using a mouthwash recommended by a pediatric dentist also helps.
Watching diet: A sugary diet promotes plaque buildup and cavities, leading to toothache. Limit your child’s intake of sugary foods and drinks. Ensure a healthy diet rich in nutrients for healthy teeth and gums.
Regular dental visits: These are crucial for your child’s oral health. Make sure to book dental checkups for your child every six months. It not only keeps their teeth and gums healthy but also helps detect and treat any issues early on. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque deposits that daily oral care may miss.
When to See a Dental Professional
Home remedies can help ease kids toothache symptoms for a short time. However, they do not address the underlying cause, such as injury, cavities, or gum disease. A dental professional will be able to identify and treat the cause, providing long-term pain relief. It is vital not to ignore your child’s tooth pain even though home remedies ease it for a while. Consult a pediatric dentist as early as possible for proper diagnosis, treatment, and the best medicine for toothache for kids.
Toothaches in children can be stressful. While considering how to cure toothache naturally at home, you may opt for safe natural remedies until the dental checkup. From warm salt water rinses to clove oil, these remedies can provide temporary toothache relief for kids. However, they only ease the symptoms and do not address the root cause. Consult a dental professional for effective and long-term relief. Proactive oral care can help protect your child’s healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do kids get toothache at night?
When should I take my child to the dentist for a toothache?
How do I know if my child's tooth is infected?
What can kids eat with a toothache?
The root cause of toothache in kids may be decay or cavities, gum disease, or abscess. The discomfort can worsen at night when lying down as it increases blood flow to the head.
If your child complains of a toothache, consult a dentist as soon as possible. A home remedy for toothache for kids can only ease the discomfort temporarily and does not address the root cause. Do not delay the appointment if you notice symptoms like swelling, fever, pus, bad breath, or bleeding.
Tooth infection often causes persistent tooth pain, swelling, chewing difficulty, bad breath, and pus. If you notice these symptoms in your child, seek professional dental care immediately.
Toothache can make chewing difficult. Hence, it is ideal to give your child soft foods like mashed potatoes, soup, yogurt, and smoothies. Avoid hard, sticky, and acidic foods and drinks as they may worsen the pain.
