Toothaches in Children

Toothaches can be very painful for children. They often can keep them up at night, and prevent them from having a good night's sleep. It is important to be gentle with your child, as any thoughts of pulling a tooth can be very scary.

Symptoms

• A child with a toothache may have pain or swelling in or around his mouth and run a small fever. He may find it difficult or painful to eat or drink cold and hot liquids and food. He may also complain of the area of pain being sensitive to touch.

Causes

• The presence of a cavity can cause a toothache. Diet and poor dental hygiene are some of the main causes of cavities. Eating foods high in sugar and starch can damage the teeth of children.

Treatment

• A dentist may prescribe pain medicine such as children's Tylenol or antibiotics to treat an infection if it is present. If it is not a permanent tooth, the dentist may prefer to pull it. Although, if it is an adult tooth, a filling may be necessary.

Home Remedies

• Until a child is able to see a dentist, home remedies can include applying a warm or cool compress to the outside of his cheek. Also, you can freeze small chunks of potato and then have the child hold them against the sore tooth in his mouth.

Prevention/Solution

• Practice proper dental hygiene with your child every day. Be sure your child brushes three times a day. Avoid too many sugary foods, and get plenty of calcium to promote healthy teeth and bones.