Toothaches are rarely fun, but for kids, they can be downright upsetting. It’s crucial that you schedule an appointment with a children’s dentist as soon as your little one mentions a toothache. However, there are several steps you can take to mitigate discomfort before the appointment.

3 Remedies for Soothing Your Child’s Toothache

1. Rinse With Warm Salt Water

A warm salt water rinse does double duty. The salt helps kill any lingering bacteria, and the warm water reduces swelling and decreases pain. Additionally, most children’s dentists agree that it’s safe to rinse with salt water multiple times a day to ease toothache symptoms. For the best results, mix in half a spoonful of table salt into a glass of warm water and make sure your child spits out the solution after rinsing.

2. Try a Peppermint Compress

Peppermint is an all-natural pain reliever that also tastes great. As a result, this can be a good method for kids who may be put off by solutions with unpleasant tastes. Steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water and have your child apply it to the sensitive area. Make sure the tea bag is properly cooled before placing it in the mouth to prevent burns. You can also place a few drops of peppermint oil onto a cotton ball for the same results.

3. Use Cold Therapy

If your child’s toothache is the result of dental trauma, such as an injury sustained due to sports, contact an emergency children’s dentist right away. Before your appointment, control discomfort by placing a cold compress on your child’s cheek; hold for 15 minutes before taking a 15-minute rest and starting over. This can help keep pain to a manageable level and reduce swelling. 

The children’s dentist and staff at Alaska Dentistry for Kids gladly support both parents and patients at their practice. Along with providing practical advice, they also offer a number of essential dental care procedures to ensure your child has a healthy smile for life. This includes cleanings and checkups, treatment of cavities, and tips on brushing and flossing. They also provide more specialized services, including dental help for kids with special needs and tongue and lip tie procedures. Schedule an appointment with a children’s dentist today by calling (907) 274-2525. You can also learn more about their services by visiting their website.