Home Remedies for Kids’ Toothaches

Nobody likes to deal with a toothache, especially children. Toothaches can be very painful and uncomfortable, and can make it hard for your child to focus and take part in their day-to-day activities.

Toothache in kids is not only a stressful experience for children, but also for parents. The good news is that there are several home remedies that can help relieve the pain while you wait for your child to see the dentist. In this article, we’ll cover some of the best home remedies for kids’ toothaches, so you can provide relief to your child and peace of mind for yourself.

These do-it-yourself solutions are easy and inexpensive, so you can be sure you’re getting your child some relief without breaking the bank. The post covers things from natural pain relievers to ice packs, so you can decide which remedy is best for your situation. Some prevention tips to avoid future toothaches, and when to seek professional help are also included. 

What is a Toothache?

A toothache can generally be defined as pain or discomfort originating from one or more teeth or areas of the jaw. Toothache in kids can vary depending on age, but generally involves sharp, throbbing pain that increases with pressure. 

Common symptoms of a toothache include: 

  • Sharp pain from eating sweets and drinking cold or hot beverages
  • Pressure sensitive teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Swelling of the jaw
  • Fever
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Inflamed gums near the affected area.

Your little one may also experience headache, difficulty eating and drinking, and swollen gums. 

Decay and cavities are one of the most common causes of toothache in children. It can also be caused due to various reasons, including gingivitis (gum disease), trauma (injury to the teeth or jaws), impacted teeth, abscesses (infections around the root of a tooth), teething, and changes to the bite. 

Common Home Remedies for Kids’ Toothaches

There are several home remedies that parents can use to help ease pain associated with their toothache. Here are some of the most popular: 

Saltwater Rinse 

salt shakers placed on a table

A popular home remedy for an aching tooth is warm saltwater rinse. To do this, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Now direct your child to swirl this solution around in their mouth for 30 seconds then spit it out. Repeat this process several times per day. 

Salt has antibacterial properties which help reduce inflammation and kill infection causing bacteria. Swishing a saltwater solution around the mouth can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Clove Oil 

a pile of cloves

Clove oil has long been used as an effective home remedy for toothache. Dip a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it directly to the affected area to numb the pain. Keep it there for 15 minutes at a time and repeat three to four times a day. 

This oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and analgesic qualities which can be beneficial in relieving a toothache. It helps soothe inflammation and kill bacteria that might be causing the pain in the first place. 

Adding one drop of clove oil to ¼ cup (60 ml) water and swishing it around your mouth can also help soothe aching teeth.

Garlic

Closeup shot of garlic bulbs

Garlic is another effective remedy when it comes to treating toothache. Crush up a few cloves of freshly peeled garlic into a paste and apply it directly onto the sore tooth or gum area. Leave it there for 15 minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. 

This popular kitchen ingredient has antibacterial qualities that help fight infection. It is rich in natural anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce the inflammation and swelling surrounding achy teeth, and numb the toothache quickly.  

You can also chew on a freshly peeled garlic clove with your sore tooth and let it sit there for some time. The garlic will release its antibacterial agents that kill the toothache-causing bacteria.

Peppermint Tea Bags 

Peppermint tea bags are also a great remedy for relieving dental pain in children. Soak one or more peppermint tea bags in hot water for five minutes and then let them cool down until they’re slightly warm to touch. Place one tea bag on each side of the affected area for 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. Use three to four times a day for maximum pain relief.

For an extra soothing effect, place the peppermint tea bag in the freezer for sometime. Now apply this frozen tea bag to the sore area of your jaw.  

Oil Pulling

a jar of pure coconut oil

Oil pulling is not only effective at preventing dental problems, but can also provide toothache relief. It involves swishing around one tablespoon of coconut oil like a mouthwash. 

You can also apply coconut oil topically. Take a small amount and gently massage it onto your sore tooth and gums. This technique can help reduce inflammation and remove toxins from the gums and teeth. Regular oil pulling can help prevent gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and tooth sensitivity. 

Vanilla Extract 

Vanilla extract has antiseptic properties which makes it a great option for relieving dental pain in children. Simply soak a cotton ball in vanilla extract and apply it directly to the affected area to get instant relief from pain and swelling.

You can also swish it around your mouth before spitting out. This technique should be repeated several times throughout the day until you feel relief from your child’s toothache symptoms.  

Guava Leaves

Guava plant with fruits and leaves

Guava leaves contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can reduce swelling caused by a toothache. To use this remedy, chew on one or two fresh guava leaves until their juice comes out. If your little one can’t do it themselves, you can chew it until the leaf becomes soft and then apply it onto the affected area in your child’s mouth.

You can also make guava leaves into an excellent pain-relieving mouthwash. Simply boil five fresh guava leaves. Wait for the solution to cool down and use it to rinse your kid’s mouth. For best results, mix it with some salt. 

Cold Compress 

Using a cold compress is one of the best ways to reduce swelling and numb the pain associated with a toothache in kids. Wrap ice cubes inside a clean cloth and apply against the sore area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time throughout the day until you notice some relief from symptoms.

An ice pack or cold compress numbs the nerves that cause pain associated with a toothache by reducing inflammation around the affected area.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is another effective home remedy for tackling children’s toothache. To use this remedy, mix one to two drops of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply this solution onto the affected area with a cotton swab two to three times per day until the pain subsides. You can also mix it in a glass of water for swishing around the mouth or apply a small amount directly to your gums.  

Tips to Prevent Toothaches in Kids

In addition to using home remedies to treat your child’s toothache, you can practice good oral hygiene habits to help prevent them from developing in the first place. Here are some tips that parents should keep in mind:

Regular Brushing and Flossing 

One of the best ways to prevent your child from experiencing dental problems and subsequent toothaches is to make sure they brush their teeth at least twice per day. Direct them to use fluoride-containing toothpaste and floss regularly after meals. This helps prevent decay and cavities, which are the leading causes of toothaches in kids.

Thorough brushing and flossing twice per day is key to keeping your little ones’ mouths healthy and free from disease-causing bacteria. Additionally, make sure to replace their brush every three to four months.

Healthy Diet 

Maintaining healthy eating habits is essential for proper oral health care for children as well as adults. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains is essential for good oral health as well as overall health. They help build strong enamel, which keeps cavities at bay, reducing the likelihood of developing a painful toothache in the future. 

Make healthy foods like apples and celery easily accessible, so your children are more likely to reach for them when they need something to eat. Make sure they are eating foods that are low in sugar and are not having too much sticky candy, ice creams, and desserts. 

Regular Dental Check-ups 

It is also important to schedule regular dental check-ups with your dentist every six months. Regular dental check-ups help detect potential problems early on, so they can be treated before becoming more serious issues. For example, tooth decay, if detected in early stages, can be promptly treated before it advances and causes intense toothache later down the line. 

When to Seek Professional Help

Some mild cases of toothaches may improve on their own with home remedies and prevention methods discussed above. If at-home remedies are not helping ease your child’s toothache after 24 hours have passed, or if fever persists longer than one day, then it is important to seek help from your dentist right away. Both of these conditions indicate signs of infection or underlying issues that need medical attention. 

Here are some signs that suggest you should seek medical care: 

  • Persistent throbbing pain that worsens when pressure is applied
  • High fever
  • Facial swelling
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Persistent headache or earache
  • Bleeding around or inside their mouth or lips 

All these signs point towards something more serious than just minor discomfort caused by a regular toothache. So, if you notice your kiddo suffering from any of these, take the situation seriously and have them visit their dentist for toothache treatment.

Advanced tooth problems such as cavities or impacted wisdom teeth require dental treatments like fillings or extractions respectively, hence you should follow the treatment as advised by your dentist. 

the different types of toothaches 

Importance of Seeking Dental Treatment 

Toothaches can range from mild discomfort/pain to intense throbbing sensations that make speaking difficult. The pain can be unbearable for the young, so it is important that you seek medical attention if you suspect your child is dealing with something more than an occasional twinge related to teething.

Conclusion

Many minor cases of kids’ toothache can be treated easily at home using simple remedies such as saltwater rinses, clove oil, garlic, peppermint tea bag, vanilla extract, or more. However, severe cases must always be checked by a dentist as soon as possible because they might point towards something more serious.  

Adopting healthy eating habits along with a regular brushing/flossing regime is crucial when it comes to preventing toothache and other dental problems in both adults and children. So, make sure both you and your little ones are taking the best care of their teeth. 

Additionally, no matter how “good damage control” you think you have at home, it is important to have your child’s dentist check their overall oral health regularly to stop problems in their tracks.