Home Remedies for Children’s Toothache
Let’s talk about natural home remedies for children’s toothache. Toothaches can be a common source of pain and discomfort for children. As a parent, it can be distressing to see your child in pain, especially when it comes to dental issues.
While visiting a dentist is the best way to identify and treat the underlying cause of a toothache, there are several natural home remedies that can provide temporary relief and alleviate pain.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most effective natural home remedies for children’s toothache. We’ll also provide tips on when to seek professional dental care in Loughborough and how to prevent toothaches in the future. So, if you’re looking for natural ways to ease your child’s toothache before you come to see us, keep reading!
How to Tackle Toothache At Home
It’s very obvious when our little ones begin to experience a toothache, and the discomfort can be difficult for parents to watch. Of course, you should be coming to see us with any dental discomfort, but if you are unable to get to us straight away, here are some things you can do at home.
#1: Apply a cold compress
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the sore area will help to calm down the vessels near the site. It works the same as when you ice a sore knee or elbow. You can make a compress from a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel or ice cubes wrapped in flannel and apply it to the cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time. Be sure never to put the frozen item directly against the skin, as this can cause an ice burn.
#2: Use clove oil
Use Clove Oil: Clove oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate toothache pain. Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the affected tooth. Alternatively, you can dilute the clove oil with carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the affected area.
It’s worth noting that clove oil can have a funny taste and some side effects if eaten, so only use on children who won’t swallow it. Clove oil is readily available at most pharmacies, health stores and online retailers; just be sure you get a child-friendly version.
#3: Rinse with warm salt water
If you want a quick and cheap way to help soothe toothache, then a warm salt water swill could be just the ticket. This method will only work if your child is old enough to swill and spit themselves, but it is a really efficient way to ease pain and reduce swelling.
For this method, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around in your child’s mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
#4: Use garlic paste
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has antimicrobial properties that can help fight the bacteria causing the toothache. To use garlic paste, crush a clove of garlic and mix it with a pinch of salt to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected tooth and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. This remedy can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
#5: Use peppermint tea bags
Peppermint has a natural numbing effect that can help alleviate pain, making it an effective remedy for toothaches. Steep a peppermint tea bag in boiling water for a few minutes, let it cool down and then place it on the affected tooth.
The tea bag can help soothe the pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area. You can also encourage your child to drink peppermint tea as a preventive measure against toothaches.
#6: Rinse with diluted hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties that can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water and swish it around in your child’s mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
#7: Use thyme mouthwash
Thyme contains a compound called thymol, which has antiseptic properties that can help kill the bacteria causing the toothache. Using thyme as a mouthwash can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and prevent further infection.
To make thyme mouthwash, boil a handful of fresh thyme leaves in a cup of water for 10 minutes, then strain the liquid and let it cool down. Have your child swish the mouthwash around their mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until the toothache subsides. You can also add a few drops of peppermint oil to the thyme mouthwash for an extra soothing effect.
#8: Massage with Aloe Vera Gel
This is also one of the most effective natural home remedies for children’s toothache. Aloe vera gel also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain. To use aloe vera gel as a natural remedy for your child’s toothache, first, ensure that you are using 100% pure aloe vera gel.
You can either extract the gel from the aloe vera plant or purchase it from a health food store. Apply a small amount of the gel to your fingers and massage it gently onto the affected tooth and gums. Leave the gel on for a few minutes before rinsing your child’s mouth with warm water. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until the pain subsides.
Helpful Tips for Preventing Toothache in Children
Toothache is not a gentle experience for kids – and even their parents. So, instead of going through the stress of looking for natural home remedies for children’s toothache, you could just learn how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some things you can do to help prevent toothache in your children:
- Encourage regular brushing and flossing: Brushing and flossing regularly can help remove food particles and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks: Sugary and acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Encourage your child to choose water instead of sugary drinks and limit their intake of candy, soda, and other sugary snacks.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help identify and treat dental issues before they become more serious and painful. If you stay in Loughborough, you should let your child come see us at Peacock Dental Spa every six months for a check-up and cleaning.
- Consider dental sealants: Dental sealants are a protective coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth to help prevent decay.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash: Fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Make sure your child is using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash as directed by their dentist.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports: If your child plays sports, they should wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury.
Come And See Us!
At Peacock Dental Spa, we will be more than happy to see you and your child, no matter how big or small your dental concern. Though all these solutions are great and should in some way help reduce or even rid your child of symptoms, it’s really important you still come and see us so we can do a full assessment and examination.
The development of new teeth is such an important time in your child’s life, and making sure they are on track to getting and maintaining a full set of healthy pearly whites is just as important to us as it is to you.
Just because your child’s pain might have gone away doesn’t mean the issue causing it has too, so book in with reception to get your child a check-up soon.
Call us now at 01509 380 206 or book an online appointment immediately!