What Helps a Child’s Toothache? 

We never want our kids to experience any pain, but the truth is, sometimes toothaches happen. Even worse, sometimes they happen at the most inconvenient times, such as during the holidays. So as a parent, what can you do to help a child’s toothache? Don’t worry. Your pediatric dentist in Long Island is here with some tips, even over the holidays.

Best Ways to Ease Toothache Pain
The absolute best way to ease toothache pain is to see your pediatric dentist as quickly as you can. But we realize that toothaches can happen at any time, including when the dental office is closed. If this happens, be prepared to know how to ease toothache pain at home. 

• Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day to reduce swelling
• Hold an ice pack on their cheek — make sure there is a barrier between the pack and the skin
• Try to gently floss the area to remove any stuck particles
• Take over-the-counter pain medicine, if allowed 
• Apply a topical numbing product meant for toothaches

Please note, these tips are meant to be temporary solutions. 

Get to Your Pediatric Dentist

It’s important to know that toothaches are often a sign that something is going on in your child’s mouth, and you should schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist in Long Island as soon as you can. Your dentist will perform a gentle exam to find the root of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment for your little one. 

What Causes a Toothache? 

Seeing your pediatric dentist quickly is key because there are several possible causes behind a toothache, and it’s important to find out what’s causing it so we can fix it. Some of the main causes of a toothache include: 

• Erupting teeth during teething
• Cavities
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Wedged food particles deep in-between teeth
• Improper brushing and flossing

How to Prevent Toothaches

The good news is there are also things you can do to prevent toothaches from occurring in the first place. Prevention starts with good brushing and flossing. Make sure your little one is brushing at least two times a day for at least two minutes each time. Younger kids may need help properly brushing until they’re old enough to maneuver the brush on their own. Additionally, flossing is important for both kids and adults alike and helps remove particles between teeth that brushing alone can miss. Lastly, see your pediatric dentist in Long Island at least every six months for checkups. These appointments can help preventive problems from occurring or can help potential problems from popping up at inconvenient times. 

Toothaches are no fun for anyone, but they’re especially frustrating when they happen to our kids. If your child is fussing over tooth pain, we welcome you to schedule an appointment at our dental office today so we can get them out of pain and back to smiling in no time. 

About The Author

Dr. Glen Ehrenman

In April this year, Dr. Glen Ehrenman received a Lifetime Diplomate status and an award from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), where he has been a diplomate since 1995. Since 2010, he has been a clinical assistant professor and mentor at the State University of New York Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. He has memberships with dental organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, and the Nassau County Dental Society. His commitment to excellence earned him the Top DDS of 2012 award from Long Island Pulse Magazine.

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