Tooth and Gum Pain in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

The most common causes of dental pain are tooth decay and gum disease. Pain can also be caused by an infection of the tooth (abscess) or the gums. Or your child may have a broken or cracked tooth. Other causes of pain include infection and damage to a tooth from grinding the teeth. A tooth that is coming in but cannot break through the gum can cause pain.

Prompt dental care can help find the cause of your child's toothache and keep the tooth from dying or gum disease from getting worse. Care at home may reduce your child's pain and discomfort.

How can you care for your child at home?

• To reduce pain and facial swelling, put ice or a cold pack on the outside of your child's cheek for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin. Do not use heat.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Give your child anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to reduce pain and swelling. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not give your child very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks if they increase pain.
• Rinse your child's mouth with warm salt water every 2 hours to help relieve pain and swelling. Older children (starting around age 8) can do this by themselves. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water.
• Talk to your dentist about your child using special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. To reduce pain on contact with heat or cold or when brushing, help your child brush with this toothpaste regularly or rub a small amount of the paste on the sensitive area with a clean finger 2 or 3 times a day. Floss gently between your child's teeth.