If you’ve ever had a toothache, it is no fun. Pain from toothaches can be all-consuming, making it hard to focus on school or work. We can’t sleep. All we can think about is the excruciating pain taking over our mouths. And when our kids get a toothache, we want nothing more than to stop their pain and discomfort. Here is what you need to know to help your child get through the night with a toothache.

Help your child get through the night with a toothache.

Toothaches in kids can happen for various reasons. They may have experienced some dental trauma or injury while playing. Or, they may have a cavity because of poor hygiene. And cavities in kids are more common than many parents realize.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of kids between the ages of six and eight have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth. And more than half of adolescents between 12 and 19 have had a cavity in at least one of their permanent teeth. When your child develops a cavity, the pulp inside the tooth becomes swollen and irritated. As there is no place for the swelling to expand inside the tooth, the nerve becomes pressed, which causes the pain from the toothache.

If your child is experiencing tooth pain and discomfort, you should contact their dentist and ask to be seen as soon as possible. If you get a call in the early afternoon to pick up your child from school or daycare, or if your child wakes up crying in the middle of the night, you will likely need to wait until the following morning to be seen. Here is what you can do to help comfort your child and reduce their pain in the meantime.

1. Check for a fever.

If your child is hot, take their temperature to see how high it is. A fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. You can take your child’s temperature in various ways—armpit, ear, forehead, or mouth. A fever can be related to a tooth infection or a sinus infection. If your child has a fever and is complaining of tooth pain, they must be seen by a dentist or doctor as soon as possible.

2. Try a saltwater rinse.

One of the simplest and most effective toothache-relief solutions is a saltwater rinse. Saltwater is antibacterial. So, having your child swish the solution in their mouth can clean the area and help loosen any debris stuck between their teeth. Your child will likely prefer a warm saline rinse, which may also help reduce inflammation, soothing their irritated and swollen gums. To make a saltwater rinse, mix about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt with every eight ounces of water.

3. Use an ice pack.

Ice packs are a great way to numb the pain and reduce swelling and inflammation. Some kids may object to something cold pressed against their cheek, but an ice pack wrapped in a cloth can help provide fast relief if your child can tolerate it. The cold constricts the blood vessels, thus slowing the flow of blood to the painful area. If you don’t have any ice packs in your freezer, throw some ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap the bag in a thin cloth before gently pressing it to the affected area. Be sure to give the area a break from the ice pack after 10 minutes, and never apply ice directly to the sore tooth.

Contact Davis Family Dental Care to help with your child’s toothache.

If your child has a toothache, they likely need to be seen by a dentist, especially if they have a fever. And with kids, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Request an appointment with Davis Family Dental Care in Bedford, TX, and let our team know that your child needs to be seen for a toothache. We’ll let you know what else you can do, if anything, to provide your child with added relief before their appointment.