Reviewed by Dr. Marai Vales
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Reading time: three minutes
If your child has a toothache, quick relief is the first order of business. Simple at-home steps can help reduce discomfort and make your child more comfortable while you monitor symptoms or arrange dental care. Knowing which pain relief methods are appropriate and which to avoid helps manage toothaches without causing further irritation.
Table of Contents
Safe Ways to Relieve a Child’s Toothache
When a child has tooth pain, the goal is to reduce discomfort until symptoms improve or dental care is provided. The following at-home steps can help manage toothache pain without irritating the tooth or surrounding tissues.
Gently Clean the Area
Food or debris trapped around a tooth can increase pressure and irritation. Gently cleaning the area helps reduce discomfort without aggravating the tooth or gums.
- Brush carefully around the affected tooth using a soft toothbrush
- Floss gently to remove any trapped food
- Rinse with plain water to clear remaining debris
Cold Compress on the Outside of the Face
Cold therapy helps control pain and swelling.
- Apply a cold pack to the cheek near the sore tooth
- Use for 10–15 minutes at a time
- Place a cloth between the ice pack and skin
This works especially well for swelling, erupting teeth, or mild dental injuries.
Warm Saltwater Rinse (If Age-Appropriate)
Saltwater calms irritated gums and reduces bacteria.
- Mix one teaspoon of salt with warm water
- Have your child swish gently and spit
- Avoid this method if your child cannot reliably spit
This simple rinse can soothe gums and ease mild tooth pain.
Age-Appropriate Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter medication can help reduce toothache discomfort when used correctly. Only medications appropriate for your child’s age and weight should be used.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used as directed
- Follow dosing instructions carefully based on age and weight
- Do not place medication directly on the tooth or gums
Pain relievers can help manage discomfort temporarily but do not treat the underlying cause of tooth pain.
Elevate the Head at Night
Lying flat can increase pressure around a painful tooth and worsen discomfort. Slightly elevating the head may help reduce nighttime toothache pain.
- Use an extra pillow to raise your child’s head
- Encourage resting on the unaffected side
Elevation can help limit pressure and make rest more comfortable while symptoms persist.
Offer Soft, Cool Foods
Chewing on hard or irritating foods can worsen toothache discomfort. Choosing soft, cool foods helps limit pressure on the affected area and reduces irritation while eating.
- Offer foods such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, or mashed foods
- Avoid crunchy, sticky, hot, sugary, or acidic foods
- Encourage water instead of juice
Soft foods make eating more comfortable until tooth pain improves or dental care is provided.
Harmful Home Remedies to Avoid
Certain home remedies can irritate oral tissues or worsen tooth pain. Avoid practices that may delay proper care or cause additional damage.
- Do not place aspirin, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide on the gums
- Avoid numbing gels unless specifically recommended by a dentist
- Do not ignore tooth pain that lasts longer than 24 hours
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
If your child experiencing any of the following, contact your dentist:
- Tooth pain lasting longer than 24 hours
- Swelling in the gums, cheek, or jaw
- Fever, pus, or signs of infection
- Pain that disrupts eating, sleeping, or speaking
- Toothache following trauma or injury
Early treatment prevents infections from spreading and protects developing teeth. A pediatric dental exam will help to identify the cause of tooth pain and determine the appropriate next steps.
We’re Here To Help
At-home care can help reduce toothache pain temporarily, but ongoing or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a dentist. Prompt care helps relieve discomfort and prevents complications.
If your child has tooth pain or signs of infection, we can help. To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in St.Petersburg, call (727) 914-6611 or visit us at 8525 Dr MLK Jr St N St Petersburg, FL 33702.
FAQ
How do you stop a kid’s toothache fast?
Toothache pain can sometimes be reduced quickly by gently cleaning the area, applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek, and using age-appropriate pain medication if needed. These steps provide temporary relief while symptoms are monitored or dental care is arranged.
How effective are natural remedies like clove oil for kid toothache pain relief?
Natural remedies such as clove oil are not recommended for children. They can irritate oral tissues and may delay proper dental care. Safer pain relief options should be used instead.
Which over-the-counter pain relief options are safe for kids with a toothache?
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used for toothache pain when given according to age and weight guidelines. Common brand-name options include Children’s Tylenol or Infants’ Tylenol for acetaminophen and Children’s Motrin or Children’s Advil for ibuprofen.
