Watching your child struggle with a toothache isn’t easy, and you want to do as much as possible to keep them comfortable until they can see a dentist. Luckily, there are a few trusted, kid-friendly home remedies to try. While these are no replacement for a dentist visit, they can have a significant impact on your child’s comfort.

What to Do if Your Child Has a Toothache

1. Over-the-Counter Medication

Many toothaches can be managed with over-the-counter medication. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be effective—just make sure you purchase products designed for children. Keep an eye on your child as they take the pills so they don’t hold the pill or lozenge near the tooth that hurts. As it dissolves, it could irritate the gums. If you have concerns, contact their dentist or pediatrician to discuss preferred OTC medications.

2. Saltwater Rinse

A saltwater rinse is a quick, effective treatment. It’s a natural disinfectant that will reduce inflammation around the tooth. Swishing the solution will also help your child remove food lodged between teeth that may be contributing to the toothache.

Mix a half teaspoon of salt in a warm glass of water and have your child swish for 30 seconds. They can also use a blend of 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water. Just make sure they don’t swallow the rinse.

3. Garlic

Garlic has long been used to treat pain and inflammation because of its natural antibacterial quality. Crush a garlic clove into a paste and apply it to the tooth. Have your child keep it there for several minutes before spitting the garlic out and rinsing their mouth.

As an alternative, you can crush five cloves of garlic in water and have your child swish for 30 seconds.

4. Peppermint

If they’re apprehensive about the less-tasty solutions, give them a peppermint tea bag to numb the area. Peppermint is thought to have antibacterial qualities and also helps relax tissue.

Soak the tea bag in warm water as if you were going to drink it. Remove the bag, allow it to cool, and then place it on the affected tooth.

Seeing the dentist twice a year is an essential part of pediatric dental care. Kid Smiles of High Point, NC, creates a welcoming atmosphere for children and provides comprehensive oral care services at every stage of growing up. Their skilled team will keep your child comfortable during their dental cleaning and offer valuable oral hygiene tips. Call (336) 885-5437 to schedule a dental exam and visit their website to learn more about the practice.