Which methods help to relieve toothache in children?
June 27, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Hildegard Hirschfeld
Dear pediatrician,
My name is Sven Hausdorf and I have a question regarding my child's toothache. My daughter, Lena, is 6 years old and has been experiencing strong pain in her teeth for several days. She complains of pain when chewing and drinking, and is very sensitive even when brushing her teeth. I am very worried about her, as this has also affected her eating and sleeping habits.
Lena has never had any problems with her teeth before, and her regular check-ups at the dentist have always been normal. Therefore, I am now a little puzzled as to what could be the cause of her sudden toothache. I wonder if it could be related to her diet, if she eats too many sweets, or if there may be an issue with a baby tooth.
I would like to know what methods and remedies can help alleviate my daughter's toothache. Are there any specific home remedies or pain relievers that are safe to use for children? Should we immediately see a dentist or is it enough for now if I try to treat the pain with gentle methods?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Sven Hausdorf
Dear Mr. Hausdorf,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a pediatrician. I am sorry to hear that your daughter Lena is suffering from severe tooth pain. It is understandable that you are worried about her and looking for ways to help her.
Tooth pain in children can have various causes. It could be a sudden development of cavities, or an inflammation in the tooth or gums. It is important that you take Lena to a dentist as soon as possible to determine the exact cause of the pain and initiate appropriate treatment. Even if Lena has not had any issues with her teeth before, tooth pain can suddenly occur and should be taken seriously.
In the meantime, there are some measures you can take to help alleviate your daughter's tooth pain. You can give her a gentle pain reliever that is suitable for children and administered in the correct dosage. Please note that before using pain relievers in children, you should always consult with a doctor.
As a home remedy, you can apply a cool compress to the affected area on Lena to achieve pain relief. Rinsing with lukewarm saltwater can also help reduce inflammation. It is important that you make sure Lena continues to eat and drink well, even if it is difficult due to the pain. Offer her soft and cool foods that are less painful to chew.
It is advisable to talk to Lena about the importance of good oral hygiene and support her in brushing her teeth regularly and thoroughly. A healthy diet low in sugar can also help maintain dental health.
I hope these tips help you temporarily alleviate your daughter's tooth pain until you can see a dentist. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need more assistance.
Best regards,
Hildegard Hirschfeld
