Reviewed by Dr. Paul Rubin, DDS
Reading time: four minutes.
Tooth pain can come on suddenly and leave your child feeling miserable, especially if it strikes at night. Whether it’s a cavity, an injury, or irritation from a loose tooth, knowing how to respond can help ease your child’s discomfort and prevent the problem from getting worse.
In this blog, we will cover what causes toothaches in children, how to provide safe relief at home, when it’s time to call the dentist, and how to help prevent future issues.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Toothaches in kids can have many causes, but simple at-home care and timely dental visits are the best way to manage pain and protect their smile.
What Causes Toothaches In Kids?
To treat toothache pain effectively, it helps to understand the cause. Some of the most common reasons for dental pain in children include:
- Tooth decay: Cavities expose sensitive parts of the tooth, leading to pain or sensitivity.
- Gum irritation or inflammation: Often from plaque buildup or poor brushing habits.
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth: Usually from trauma or biting hard foods.
- Erupting adult teeth or loose baby teeth: Can cause mild discomfort during transition.
- Sinus pressure: Sometimes felt as upper tooth pain, especially during cold or allergy season.
If pain is severe, if swelling is present, or if there’s any sign of infection, contact a pediatric dentist or healthcare provider right away.
At-Home Toothache Relief For Kids
While waiting for a dental appointment, there are safe and simple ways to help soothe your child’s discomfort:
- Rinse with warm salt water: Helps clean the area and reduce inflammation.
- Apply a cold compress: Use a soft towel-wrapped ice pack on the cheek to ease swelling.
- Give age-appropriate pain medication: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain.
- Gently brush and floss: To remove any food particles that might be causing irritation.
- Avoid hot, cold, or acidic foods: These can make sensitive teeth feel worse.
- Natural remedies: Clove oil or diluted peppermint oil may help if used carefully and safely.
These methods offer temporary relief but are not a substitute for professional dental care. To learn more about how to handle tooth pain, read Should You Take Your Child to the ER For Tooth Pain?
Managing Toothache Pain at Night
Tooth pain often feels worse at bedtime when kids are lying down. Increased blood flow to the head can intensify discomfort.
To help your child sleep:
- Prop up their head with an extra pillow
- Offer a dose of pain reliever before bed
- Rinse with warm salt water to ease inflammation
- Avoid sugary or acidic snacks before bed
- Reassure them that the pain is temporary and treatable
If the pain continues into the next day, contact your pediatric dentist to schedule an exam.
When To Call The Dentist
Toothaches in kids should not be ignored. Call our Frisco office if you notice:
- Pain lasting longer than 24 hours
- Swelling of the gums or face
- Signs of infection like fever or pus
- Difficulty eating or sleeping
- Tooth sensitivity that doesn’t improve
Prompt dental care can prevent more serious problems and provide lasting relief.
How To Prevent Future Toothaches
The best way to avoid toothaches is with consistent care at home and regular dental visits. Help your child maintain a healthy smile by:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to reduce plaque
- Limiting sugary foods and drinks
- Keeping up with dental checkups every six months
- Asking about preventive options like sealants and fluoride treatments
Good habits early on can reduce the risk of cavities, gum issues, and tooth pain as your child grows.
Book A Visit For Toothache Relief In Frisco
If your child is dealing with a persistent toothache, we are here to help! We are always accepting new patients at our Frisco, McKinney and Prosper locations.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Frisco, call (214) 618-5200 or visit us at 6801 Warren Parkway, Ste 115, Frisco, TX.
📍Other locations