Tooth pain can be some of the most brutal pain you can experience, given that the mouth is such a sensitive area. More than that, we use our mouths for almost everything. Talking, eating, breathing, expressing ourselves – toothaches can really set you back!
When your child experiences what seems to be severe tooth pain, there are steps you can take before they’re able to see a dentist.
The first thing to do would be to identify the tooth or the area where your child’s mouth is hurting. Many times the cause of pain (especially for growing kids) is the sensation of a new tooth growing in or food that has become lodged in the gums. For this, gently try to wiggle it out with dental floss.
On the other hand, if a nerve is exposed, any and all activity, even just breathing (air getting to the nerve) can be excruciating. So if it appears that it is due to an exposed nerve and it is during business hours, call our office right away. The pain will be constant and almost unbearable.
If your child is able to handle the pain, it is recommended you wait 12 hours after before seeing a dentist.
This is because often the pain can subside after awhile or can resolve itself. Chances are, if the pain persists that long, it will require professional attention and is a sign there is something wrong.
If an urgent matter occurs outside business hours, use our app (link below) to send an emergency photo. This will be sent to the Kidds Place right away, even if we are not open. This is a really incredible feature most dental offices do not have!
If an adult tooth becomes dislodged or gets knocked out, time is of the essence.
Pick the tooth up (not by the root end!) and examine it for cracks. If it has none, try to re-insert the tooth back into its socket and try to get into a dental office straightaway. If the tooth does not stay in the socket, take it to the dentist in a cup of the patient’s saliva or milk – yes, milk! This will keep the tooth preserved better but only for a short time.
There is an old wives tale that says placing a crushed aspirin on the toothache can cure it – this is NOT dentist recommended!
It is better to administer the aspirin or another pain reliever into your child’s system the recommended amount (depending on age).
In short, here are the steps to take when first a toothache arrives:
- Do your best to clean the affected area and to floss out any debris, if there is any
- Rinsing with warm water can also be soothing to swollen gums.
- Gargle warm salt water every hour – this will not only soothe, but disinfect.
- Do not eat or drink anything very hot or very cold – instead try putting a hot pack on the outside of the affected area.
- Avoid sweets or junk food.
We know toothaches aren’t fun – so call us when you have an issue when your child is in pain. We’re here for you!
