What to Do If Your Child Has a Toothache
What should you Do If Your Child Has a Toothache?
Few things tug at a parent’s heart like hearing, “My tooth hurts.” Whether it’s a dull ache or sudden sharp pain, a toothache can make even the toughest kid melt into tears—and leave you scrambling for answers.
Here’s what you need to know about what causes toothaches, how to ease your child’s pain, and when to call a pediatric dentist:
First steps to soothe the pain
If your child is experiencing a toothache, here are steps you can take immediately:
1. Gently Rinse and Inspect
Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water. Check for:
Swelling
Redness
Obvious food particles
Broken or loose teeth
You can also gently floss around the sore tooth to dislodge anything stuck.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
Place a cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a towel) on the outside of your child’s cheek near the painful area. This helps reduce inflammation and dull the pain.
3. Offer Pain Relief (If Needed)
Over-the-counter children’s pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help—but always follow the dosage instructions and consult your pediatrician or pediatric dentist if unsure.
Avoid:
Applying aspirin directly to the gums or tooth (it can cause burns)
Giving very hot or very cold foods/drinks, which can worsen sensitivity
4. Keep Them Comfortable
Soothing distractions like a favorite show, snuggly blanket, or book can go a long way. Let your child know you’re taking their discomfort seriously—and that help is on the way.
When to call the dentist
If the toothache lasts longer than a day or seems severe, don’t wait. Early care can prevent bigger issues later.
Call your pediatric dentist if:
The pain is intense or constant
There’s swelling or pus near the gums
Your child has a fever
They’ve injured their mouth or teeth
The pain keeps returning
At Petaluma Pediatric Dentistry, we reserve time for same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible for urgent concerns.
🦷 Think it might be an emergency?
preventing future toothaches
Most toothaches can be avoided with consistent preventative care. Here’s how:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily (or as directed by your dentist)
Visit your pediatric dentist every 6 months
Limit sugary snacks and drinks
Consider dental sealants for added protection
Regular checkups give us a chance to catch small issues before they turn into painful problems.
a toothache doesn’t have to derail the day
Tooth pain is no fun—for kids or parents—but it’s treatable, manageable, and often preventable. With a calm approach and support from your pediatric dentist, your child will be back to their smiling, snack-loving self in no time.
We’re here to help every step of the way—from soothing toothaches to keeping them from coming back.
Ready to Connect?