Emergency Pediatric Dentist Tips for Managing Tooth Pain in Children

Your emergency pediatric dentist can provide some valuable tips for managing your child’s tooth pain. Dental pain can be overwhelming for the child and the parent. Relieving it until you get to the emergency dental clinic can keep the child calm and ready for treatment. Here are some emergency pediatric dentist tips for managing your child’s tooth pain.

Apply garlic paste

Garlic breath may be the instant side effect of this tip, but garlic paste does relieve toothaches. This common pantry ingredient has antibacterial properties. Garlic can kill bad bacteria that cause dental plaque. It can also relieve dental pain. Crush one to two cloves to create a paste and add a little salt to reduce irritation. Get a cotton swab and apply the paste to the affected tooth.

Give OTC (over-the-counter) pain relievers

A parent can give an older child an OTC pain reliever. The discomfort may be from an erupting tooth if the pain reduces right away. A numbing gel can also provide relief if the emergency pediatric dentist says that it is because of an emerging tooth. Follow the instructions for the correct dosage of over-the-counter pain relievers. It is ideal to give the medication with meals. This is a quick way to reduce the pain so that the child can then go back to daily activities.

Rinse the mouth

Make a warm salt solution. Use it to rinse the child’s mouth. This solution can remove bacteria and dislodge food particles that could be causing the pain. The parent should evaluate the area. Red, swollen gums with a bubble mean the cause of the dental pain could be an infection or abscess. Bring the child to the emergency pediatric dentist to find out the main cause of the pain.

A cold compress

Hold a cold compress on the cheek of the affected tooth. Doing so constricts the blood vessels. This then reduces swelling and pain. Hold the cold pack on the area for about 20 minutes. Repeat every three hours.

Rinse with hydrogen peroxide

Dilute hydrogen peroxide in water. Make a 3% dilution and give it to the child to use as mouthwash for 30 seconds. Tell the child to spit it out. The emergency pediatric dentist will also suggest rinsing the child’s mouth many times with plain water.

Use a peppermint tea bag

This is a delicious way to relieve a child’s tooth pain. A peppermint tea bag can relax the gums and numb the dental pain. An emergency pediatric dentist may recommend placing the used tea bags in the freezer for a couple of minutes. Put the chilled tea bag between the inner lining of the cheek and the painful gums. A mixture of peppermint oil and clove oil can relieve pain as well. Dip a cotton ball into the oil mixture and apply it to the affected area.

The common causes of tooth pain in kids

Toothaches can affect kids and adults. The pain depends on the current condition of the tooth. There could be a foreign object or a piece of food stuck under the gumline or between the teeth. The child may have a damaged tooth from teeth grinding, dental decay, or infections. An erupting tooth may also be the cause of tooth pain in kids.

Preventing toothaches

It is an emergency pediatric dentist’s priority to stop dental pain. Relieving the discomfort will allow the child to participate better in school and get proper nutrition. A painless smile can give the child the freedom to be a child. Below are some toothache prevention tips from an emergency pediatric dentist:

• Limit the child’s consumption of high-sugar foods and drinks. Tell the child to use a mouthwash or water after consuming these products.
• Teach the child proper oral care habits. Flossing and brushing every day can help avoid plaque and tartar buildup.
• Serve more fruits and vegetables to the child. Stay away from the snack section at the grocery store.
• Bring the child to the dentist twice a year for regular checkups. This can help spot a dental issue and treat it right away.

An emergency pediatric dentist can relieve and help manage your child’s tooth pain

Dental pain can be a sign of many dental issues. Managing it until you arrive at your dentist’s clinic is ideal. Doing so can help keep the child calm before treatment. Working with your emergency pediatric dentist can stop the dental pain from recurring.

Request an appointment here: https://www.orthodonticprecision.com or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at (703) 391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.

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