San Diego, CA – If your child complains about a toothache, do you know the best ways to help him deal with the pain until you can get in to see your dentist?
“It must be a law of parenting that if your child experiences tooth pain, it will happen in the middle of the night or on a weekend when your dentist’s office is closed,” says Dr. Santiago Surillo, a pediatric dentist in La Mesa. “But just if you can’t get in to see me right away, there are some things you can do to help your child.”
First, see if you can get to the bottom of the issue. Have your child point out the tooth that hurts, then inspect it for visible cracks, or breaks, or to see if it is loose. If you can’t see anything, it could be pain caused by a cavity or damage caused at the root.
The first thing Dr. Santiago Surillo recommends parents do is to mix up a saltwater solution for the child to swish in her mouth. This can help reduce and relieve any inflammation that may be present. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt water with some warm water, then have your child swish it around in the mouth before spitting it out.
To deal with toothache, you can give your child an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. A liquid version is best when your child has tooth pain because chewing a tablet may cause additional discomfort.
Essential oils are all the rage now, with many promising cures for a host of ailments. Clove oil is actually an excellent resource for parents to keep on hand. The oil works as both an analgesic to help lessen pain and has antibacterial properties. Use a cotton swab to dab a small amount of oil on the affected area.
“Schedule a dental appointment as soon as you can,” says Dr. Surillo. “While your child may feel better quickly, the toothache or tooth pain could be caused by an underlying issue that might continue to cause pain if not corrected.”
A Loose Tooth Is Causing Pain to Your Child
The most common causes of tooth pain in children can be loose teeth and cavities.
Allow your child to gently wiggle the tooth until it is ready to come out on its own. Forcing a tooth out before it is ready can lead to some pain and some additional bleeding that could worry your child. Have your kids eat soft foods until the tooth is ready to fall off.
Is it Normal For Teeth to Wiggle With Braces?
Cavities result from bacteria that live in our mouths. When they come into contact with the sugars left behind by the food we eat, they create an acid that erodes the enamel of our kids’ teeth. Over time, these acid attacks can lead to cavities in baby teeth, which can be painful for children.
If your child experiences frequent tooth pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist who can help with your loose tooth-causing pain child.
Baby Teeth Extractions – Children’s Toothache Pain Relief
Your child will almost certainly never need a baby tooth pulled if they practice good oral hygiene. In some situations, however, it may be necessary to pull baby teeth.
Let’s go through the basics of baby tooth extraction and how you can help the process go more smoothly for your child if they do need a tooth taken. Let’s get going!
Why It Might Be Necessary to Extract a Baby Tooth
A pediatric dentist, such as Dr. Surillo, will only pull a baby tooth if they have considerable damage. Baby teeth may be fractured, loosened, or impacted in a catastrophic injury, and the only treatment option left could be extraction.
A severely decayed or infected infant tooth may also need a professional extraction. If a filling or root canal isn’t enough to save it, extraction is the best option because it prevents infection from spreading to the rest of the mouth and relieves your child’s loose tooth pain child and toothache.
Extracting Baby Teeth – The Last Resort
When possible, it is nearly always preferable to save a baby’s tooth. This is because extracting a baby tooth too soon can cause issues when adult teeth erupt. Baby teeth, often known as “primary” teeth, help to create a “route” for adult teeth to follow when they erupt, usually between the ages of 4 and 7.
When a specialist has to remove a baby tooth before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, the other teeth may shift to cover the gap, causing difficulties. Tooth extraction is usually a last resort.
Will Extract a Baby Tooth Hurt?
there are a few things you can do if your child has a baby tooth pulled to make the procedure smoother and less frightening. Here are some of our greatest recommendations:
- Choose the proper dentist – At Children’s Braces and Dentistry, we treat children with love and care, making sure they are at ease throughout the procedure.
- Consider sedation – Depending on your child’s age, we can provide a range of sedative alternatives to make the extraction surgery go more smoothly and with less discomfort.
- Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully. For at least 24 hours, your youngster should avoid hard meals and straws. Keep an eye on your child to ensure that they follow directions correctly.
Have More Questions About Tooth Pain Relief for Kids?
Come to our San Diego office today if your child needs a tooth pulled or if you simply want to learn more about baby teeth and how pediatric dentists treat them. We can answer all of your questions and inspect your child to ensure that their oral health is in good shape.