Reviewed by Chau McGovern, DDS
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Reading Time: Three Minutes
When your child has a toothache, it can be upsetting for both of you. They may be in tears, unable to eat, or having trouble sleeping and you want to help them feel better fast.
While a dentist visit is the best way to find the cause and fix it, there are simple things you can do at home right now to ease their discomfort.
This guide walks you through easy, safe ways to relieve pain, plus signs that mean it’s time to call the dentist.
Table of Contents
Common Causes of Toothaches in Kids
Children can have a toothache for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Cavities or tooth decay
- Food stuck between teeth or under the gums
- Gum irritation or infection
- Chipped, cracked, or loose teeth
- Injury to the mouth or jaw
- Tooth coming in (especially molars)
- Cuts or ulcers on the gum or soft tissues
Even if the pain seems mild, it is always worth checking with your child’s dentist to prevent the problem from getting worse.
| TIP: Avoid using over the counter pain relieving creams/gels such as Orajel if your child is under the age of 3. Using it before age 3 can cause a life threatening medical condition called methemoglobinemia. Orajel works for a short amount of time (approx 5-10 minutes), so we overall do not recommend using it for pain management. |
How to Relieve Your Child’s Toothache at Home
Here are safe, simple steps you can try while you arrange dental care:
1. Remove Any Trapped Food
If you can see food stuck between teeth, gently floss around the area. Be careful not to irritate the gums further.
2. Warm Salt Water Rinse
Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Have your child swish gently for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. This helps clean the area and can reduce swelling.
3. Cold Compress
Place a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas (wrapped in a thin cloth) on the outside of your child’s cheek for 15–20 minutes. This can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation.
4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers (If Needed)
If your child is in a lot of discomfort, give them the recommended dose of children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen, commonly known as Tylenol and Motrin. Always follow the dosing instructions based on their age and weight.
| TIP: Do not give your child any prescription medications you have at home without consulting with your dentist. |
When to Call the Dentist
Some toothaches need urgent attention. Contact your child’s dentist promptly if they have:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Fever or general illness
- Signs of pus or infection
- Pain after an injury to the mouth or teeth
These can indicate an infection or other problem that needs immediate treatment.
💡If your child is experiencing severe swelling to the outside of the face, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting or has a high fever, proceed to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation, likely for IV antibiotics. THIS CAN POSSIBLY BECOME LIFE THREATENING, DO NOT AVOID IF THESE SYMPTOMS APPEAR. Schedule an appointment with your dentist following your visit to the emergency room for further evaluation.
Preventing Future Toothaches
Good daily habits go a long way in preventing toothaches. Help your child:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
- See the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
- Consider dental sealants to protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth
- Ask about professional fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities
Expert Pediatric Dental Care in Southwest Ranches, FL
If your child needs quick relief and gentle care, Akoya Pediatric Dentistry is here to help. Our Southwest Ranches office offers same-day emergency appointments and is always accepting new patients.
We provide a full range of pediatric dental services, from emergency visits to routine checkups, all in a calm, welcoming environment designed for kids. Our experienced team understands how to make dental visits stress-free for children and reassuring for parents.
Whether your child’s toothache is from a cavity, injury, or other cause, we’ll find the problem quickly and provide the right treatment to get them smiling again.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212. Akoya Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves patients from Broward County, Pembroke Pines, Weston, and Davie, FL.
FAQs
Why does my child’s toothache come and go?
Tooth pain that comes and goes could be from food getting trapped, a small cavity, or even irritation from teething molars. Even if the pain stops, it’s important to have a dentist check it before it gets worse.
Why are toothaches worse at night?
When your child lies down, increased blood flow to the head can make the pain feel stronger. At night, there are also fewer distractions, so they notice the discomfort more. A cold compress and age-appropriate pain medicine before bed can help them rest until you can see the dentist. If your child has pain that prevents sleeping, contact your dentist immediately.
How do you stop a kid’s toothache fast?
Have them rinse with warm salt water, apply a cold compress to the cheek, and give an age-appropriate pain reliever if needed. These steps can ease pain until a dentist can treat the cause.
How do I know when a toothache is serious?
If your child has swelling, fever, pus, pain after an injury, or pain that keeps getting worse, it could be a sign of an infection or another urgent problem. Call the dentist right away.
Is there an emergency pediatric dentist near me?
If you are in Southwest Ranches, FL or the surrounding area, Akoya Pediatric Dentistry provides same-day emergency care for kids and is always accepting new patients. Call (954) 799-5412 and our team will arrange for your child to be seen right away so we can relieve their pain and address the cause.
